they seem to him in many ways useless and at times even degrading. Some recruits, for instance, misunderstand the nature of the salute, and failing to see any necessity therefor, are averse to saluting officers.. It should, therefore, be explained to them that 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. This salute on the part of the subordinate is not intended in any way as an act of degradation or a mark of inferiority, but it is simply a military courtesy that is as binding on the officer as it is on the private. 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 by regulations, it is as obligatory on the ranking general of the army to return the salute of the recruit, as it is on the latter to give it.

The recruit is, of course, ignorant of all military matters, but he is usually willing to learn and will submit without complaint to more hours of instruction than ever afterwards in his military career. Much of his unsoldierly conduct and awkwardness—from which he frequently reaps humiliation through harsh and ill-considered correction-is the direct result of ignorance for which he is in no way responsible. He should not be left to absorb a knowledge of military propriety from contact with older soldiers (whose habits and manners in this regard too often furnish very poor examples), but his ignorance should be removed by patient and systematic instruction.

As a rule, an infantry recruit is given instruction about three hours a day for thirty days or so, before being taken up for guard, police or other duty; cavalry and artillery recruits generally require longer periods of instruction. The several daily periods of instruction should not exceed 45 minutes each-if they do, the recruit's mind will become tired and his attention will lag.

Recruits should be instructed by noncommissioned officers especially fitted for the work, who, if practicable, should be placed on such duty permanently.

The following general scheme of instruction is merely given as a guide.

FIRST TEN DAYS

Individual Instructions Without Arms. salutes with the hand, marchings, etc.

Setting-up exercises.

Barrack Regulations. The regulations of the company concerning the conduct of men in barracks will be explained.

Post Orders. All post orders regarding the conduct of enlisted men will be read and explained.

A Articles of War. All provisions affecting enlisted men to be carefully explained, and the consequences of their violation made clear. Special attention to be invited to Articles 47 and 48, regarding desertion, emphasizing the disgraceful, ignominious nature of the offense, the conviction of which involves the forfeiture of the rights of citizenship and the incapacity to hold office under the United States. (Sec. 1996 and 1999, Rvd. Sts.) Conviction of desertion also forfeits all right to pension which the soldier might otherwise have. (G. O. 80, '08, page 8.)

Army Regulations. Such paragraphs as immediately affect enlisted men, especially the general requirements of governing each soldier's responsibility for the safe-keeping and care of all articles of clothing and equipment issued him.

Soldiers are forbidden by law to sell clothing issued them and anyone buying such clothing is also liable to punishment under the statute, while officers are empowered to seize summarily any government clothing or other property in the possession of civilians. The money value of the clothing allowance and the time and manner of settlements to be explained.

Military Deportment and Appearance. The recruit 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 the 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 pubiic 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.

The subject of military deportment and appearance is covered thoroughly in Privates' Manual. See Advertising Directory of Supplement.

A

Military Courtesies and Customs. An officer will be saluted at all times of the day and night.

Always look toward the person saluted and keep the head up. On the approach of an officer an enlisted man will assume the position of attention and salute.

In saluting he will face the officer and keep the hand up until the salute is returned, or until it is seen that he is not observed.

When outside of barracks uncovered, salute; being seated out of doors, stand at attention and salute.

When without arms, salute with the hand farthest from the officer. Being armed with saber, not drawn, salute with the hand. If mounted, salute with the right hand.

If the saber be drawn, salute with the "present saber."

Armed with the rifle, always salute with the rifle. If on post, present arms.

salute.

Indoors, armed and uncovered, cover, stand at attention and

B The Army Regulations say: "Indoors, an unarmed enlisted man uncovers and stands at attention upon the approach of an officer; he does not salute unless he addresses or is addressed by the officer." According to custom, the term "indoors" is interpreted as meaning military offices, barracks, quarters and similar places-it does not mean such places as stores, storehouses, riding halls, stables, post exchange buildings, hotels, places of amusement, depots and exhibition halls, etc. In such places an unarmed soldier remains either covered or uncovered, according to the custom of the place, and whether or not he salutes depends upon circumstances, the occasions for saluting being determined by common sense and military spirit.

For instance, an enlisted man riding in a street car, or in the act of purchasing goods in a store, or eating in a hotel, would not salute unless addressed by the officer. However, in the case of a soldier occupying a seat in a crowded street car, if he recognized a person standing to be an officer, it would be but an act of military courtesy for him to rise, salute, and offer the officer his seat.

When an officer approaches. a number of enlisted men out of doors and not in ranks, the word "Attention" will be given by some one who perceives him, when all stand at attention and all salute.1 It is customary for all to salute at or about the same instant, taking the time from the soldier nearest the officer.

When unarmed the colors are saluted by uncovering with the right hand and placing the cap on the left shoulder.

If armed, the hat is not removed. Explain the paragraph in the Army Regulations regarding the "Star Spangled Banner." Officers are saluted, and men will salute, whether in uniform or

not.

A mounted soldier dismounts before addressing an officer not mounted.

When walking with an officer always keep a pace or two to his left and, rear.

Several soldiers together in a room on the approach of an officer, the one who first sees him will command "attention," when all will uncover and arise.

The same thing will be done if several soldiers are walking together, except that they do not halt nor uncover; all salute.

Men actually at work will not stop it on the approach of an officer unless addressed by him.

A soldier will always salute an officer before and after addressing or being addressed by him.

If an officer enter a room where men are at meals "attention" will be called, upon which the men will cease eating, but will not arise.

In entering an office, knock on the door; when told to come in, enter, taking off the hat (if unarmed), close the door and remain just inside the door until asked what is wanted; then go within a

In some regiments it is customary for only one (a noncommissioned offi cer if there be one present) to salute for the group, but this is contrary to Regula tions and should not be done.

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.

A In speaking to an officer use the third person, as "Does the Captain want his horse this morning?" "Private Smith would like to speak to the Captain about his furlough," etc.

(Note. After the conversation has commenced, it is not customary for the speaker to use the third person instead of the pronouns "I" and "me." However, an officer is always addressed in the third person and never as "you.")

In speaking to an officer of an enlisted man, use the proper title, as "Sergeant Smith," "Corporal Jones," "Private Wilson."

"No, sir," "Yes, sir," "I don't know, sir," etc., should always be used in answer to direct questions.

When told to do a thing by an officer, acknowledge by saying "Yes, sir," or by saluting, depending upon circumstances.

When a soldier is told to do a thing, he should always report when through to the officer giving the directions.

Never leave an officer to whom you have been ordered to report, without first ascertaining if he is through with you.

In addressing a noncommissioned officer always prefix his title Thus, "Sergeant Smith" or "Corporal Jones."

Complaints must never be made directly to the captain unless the recruit 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.

(The subject of Military Courtesies and Customs is covered in greater detail in "Privates' Manual,” by the author. General agents: The U. S. Infantry Association, Washington, D. C., and The Post Exchange, Fort Wm. McKinley, P. I. Price, 50 cents per copy, postpaid. Liberal discount on quantity.)

B

To Deliver a Message. 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, I do 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.