The Land Forces Of The United States
Categories: OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPSMilitary Handbooks: The Plattsburg Manual
You now are, or expect to become, a member of the land forces of the
United States. Of what do the land forces of the United States consist?
They consist of the Regular Army, the Volunteer Army, the Officers'
Reserve Corps, the Enlisted Reserve Corps, the National Army, the
National Guard in the service of the United States and such other land
forces as Congress may authorize.
The land forces are grouped
(1) The Mobile Army.
(2) The Coast Artillery.
The Mobile Army. The mobile army is primarily organized for offensive
operations against an enemy, and on this account requires the maximum
degree of mobility. (Field Service Regulations.) It consists of:
Infantry.
Field Artillery.
Cavalry.
Engineers.
Signal Corps Troops.
The Coast Artillery. The coast artillery is charged with the care and
use of the fixed and movable elements of the land and coast
fortifications. (Field Service Regulations.)
The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the
Army. He exercises his command through the Secretary of War. The Chief
of Staff acts as military adviser to the Secretary of War. He puts into
effect the Administration's wishes.
For the purpose of equipping, inspecting, directing, and administering
to the Army, there are the following corps and departments:
(1) General Staff Corps.
(2) Adjutant General's Department.
(3) Inspector General's Department.
(4) Judge Advocate General's Department.
(5) Quartermaster Corps.
(6) Medical Department.
(7) Ordnance Department.
(8) Bureau of Insular Affairs.
(9) Signal Corps.
(10) Engineer Corps.
The following are the grades of rank and commands of officers and
noncommissioned officers:
(1) General Commands: Armies.
(2) Lieutenant-General Commands: Field Army.
(3) Major-General Commands: Division.
(4) Brigadier-General Commands: Brigade.
(5) Colonel Commands: Regiment.
(6) Lieutenant-Colonel Second in command in a Regiment.
(7) Major Commands: Battalion.
(8) Captain Commands: Company.
(9) First Lieutenant Commands: Platoon.
(10) Second Lieutenant Commands: Platoon.
(11) Veterinarian He has no command.
(12) Cadet at United States Military Academy He has no command.
(13) Sergeant-Major (Regimental) He has no command.
(14) Ordnance Sergeant He has no command.
(15) Quartermaster Sergeant He has no command.
(16) Sergeant-Major (Battalion) He has no command.
(17) First Sergeant Commands: Platoon.
(18) Sergeant Commands: Sometimes a Platoon.
(19) Corporal Commands: Squad.
More
-
Senior Division
A senior division of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps may be established at any university and college requiring of its students four years of collegiate study for a degree, and at essentially military schools which, as a result of annual insp... Shelter
When troops are sheltered under canvas (in tents), they are in camp. When they are resting on the ground without tents (for instance, on the firing line the night before or during a battle), they are in what is called bivouac. When they occupy bui... Side Step
Being at a halt or mark time: 1. Right (left) step, 2. MARCH. Carry and plant the right foot 15 inches to the right; bring the left foot beside it and continue the movement in the cadence of quick time. The side step is used for short distance... Signals And Codes
1. GENERAL SERVICE CODE. (INTERNATIONAL MORSE CODE.) Used for visual (except semaphore) and sound signaling, radio telegraphy, on cables using siphon recorders, in communication with the Navy, and in intra-field artillery buzzer communication. ... Sixth Movement Right Front Into Line
Being in column of platoons or squads, to form line to the front: 1. Right (left) front into line, 2. MARCH, 3. Company, 4. HALT, 5. FRONT. (Right [left] front into line means move to the right of the front and get into line. It is necessary to ... Slow Fire
Following satisfactory gallery practise scores the men go on the range for known distance practice. Here the army rifle is fired with service charges at known ranges; first, for instruction if time permits, and then for record. To obtain satisfact... Slow Fire Targets
This target is used during slow fire at 200 and 300 yards. This target is used during slow fire at 500 and 600 yards. ... Snake Bite
In snake bites the poison acts quickly. Treatment: Apply a tourniquet between the wound and the heart so as to stop the circulation and prevent the system from absorbing the poison. Get out your knife and make a couple of cross cuts through the ... Some General Hints
Clear and decisive orders are the logical result of definite and sure decisions. To guage[B] a man's caliber read his orders. You must not be hazy and indefinite in your order. You must be clear and definite. Be careful about your phrasing and e... Stack And Take Arms
The subject of stack and take arms is less important than the rest of this chapter. It is difficult to be learned from a book. Your company commander will explain it to you. It is given here to serve as a reference. Being in line at a halt: STA... Steps And Marchings
All steps and marchings executed from a halt, except right step, begin with the left foot. The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches, measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the rate of 120 steps per minute. The length ... Stomach Wounds
Send for a doctor. Lie perfectly quiet. Don't lose your head and don't attempt to crawl to help or to stir around. Place a clean piece of cloth over the wound and keep it constantly wet with a solution of salt water. If the wound is in the stomach... Stopping Bleeding
If the blood is dark blue and the stream is continuous, a vein has been punctured which, in itself, is not ordinarily dangerous. The bandaging of such a wound will usually stop the flow of blood. Bandage firmly. Remember all wounds bleed a little,... Strength
The strength of the patrol will generally depend on its mission and on the number of messages that it will probably send back. The larger the patrol the greater the probability of the enemy seeing it. On the other hand, if it is too small, it will... Strength And Composition
Subject to variation according to the situation, one twentieth to one third of a command may be assumed as a suitable strength for the advance guard. The larger the force, the larger in proportion is the advance guard, for a large command takes re... Strength And Composition
The strength of a rear guard depends upon the nature of the country and the strength and character of the pursuing force. It can not, like the advance guard, count on the support of the main body. Machine guns are especially useful in the passag... Summary
We recommend that each officer become familiar with the following summary: 1. Avoid combats that offer no chance of victory or other valuable results. 2. Make every effort for the success of the general plan and avoid spe... Sunstroke--(the Skin Is Hot)
A sunstroke is accompanied by the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, sense of oppression, nausea, colored vision, and often the patient becomes insensible. The muscles are relaxed, face flushed, skin hot, pulse rapid, and the temperature ris... Support
Following the advance cavalry is the support, varying in strength from one fourth to one half of the advance guard. In mixed commands it consists of infantry, to which engineers may be attached. If there is no advance cavalry, some cavalry should be... Target Practice
Military shooting or target practice is very different from shotgun shooting, or even the kind of shooting required of a large-game hunter; therefore we should begin with the most elementary instruction and drills, if proficiency is to be obtain... Tent Pitching
On the hike the camp will be laid out daily in advance by a staff officer. The company being halted and in line, the company commander gives the order: FORM FOR SHELTER TENTS. The first sergeant and right guide fall in on the right of the comp... The Actual Attack
Deployment. To deploy means to extend the front. When does a column extend its front or prepare to fight? When open terrain, which will probably expose the troops to hostile artillery fire, is reached. This place may be two or more miles from the ... The Actual Defense
Let us suppose now that our battalion, occupying this defensive position, is a part of a larger force which is supported by artillery. You see small objects one and a half to two miles to your front. You know they are the enemy's troops because yo... The Advance
The advance of a company into an engagement whether for attack or defense) is conducted in close order, preferably column of squads, until the probability of encountering hostile fire makes it advisable to deploy. After deployment, and before open... The Assembly
Being deployed: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. The men move toward the corporal and form in their proper places. If the corporal continues to advance, the men move in double time, form, and follow him. The assembly while marching to the rear is not... The Assembly
The captain takes his post in front of, or designates, the element on which the company is to assemble and commands: 1. Assemble, 2. MARCH. If in skirmish line the men move promptly toward the designated point and the company is re-formed in lin... The Big Ideas Of Marches
For marches to be entirely successful three conditions must be fulfilled: (1) the troops must get there; (2) they must get there on time; (3) and they must get there in good condition. Now suppose that you were ordered to conduct the march of a ... The Charge
There can be no rule to tell you when to charge. It may be from 25 to 400 yards. The common sense (tactical instinct) of the senior ranking officer on the firing line must tell him the psychological moment to order the charge. That moment will be ... The Difference Between Independent And Divisional Cavalry
The main difficulty in seeing the distinction between Independent and Divisional Cavalry consists in our forgetting that we have different kinds of organizations in the army as well as we have anywhere else. Let us clearly understand this: (1) ... The Difference Between Strategy And Tactics
Strategy is generalship in its broadest conception. A strategist conceives and projects campaigns. He determines where armies and navies are to be sent. He is not concerned with the handling or manoeuvers of armies and fleets. He turns over those ... The Eatyoup
Dicky Duck was a very wise young fellow. He swam about the pond alone long before his brothers left their mother, and such worms and bugs and things of that sort as he found made all the other young ducks quite green with envy. But one day Di... The Eatyoup
Dicky Duck was a very wise young fellow. He swam about the pond alone long before his brothers left their mother, and such worms and bugs and things of that sort as he found made all the other young ducks quite green with envy. But one day Di... The Fire Attack
The principles governing the advance of the firing line in attack are considered in the chapters on Attack and Defense. When it becomes impracticable for the company to advance as a whole by ordinary means, it advances by rushes. Being in ski... The Fire Attack
The fire attack commences when the infantry in the firing line first opens fire and it usually ends with the charge. A charge is sometimes not necessary because the enemy withdraws from his position. The fire attack does not start until the firing... The Frogs And The Fairies
In a pond in a dell lived a big family of frogs, and one day when the sun was shining all the young bullfrogs came up out of the water and hopped on the bank. "I think it would be good fun to see what is in the dell beside this pond," said Billy... The Frogs And The Fairies
In a pond in a dell lived a big family of frogs, and one day when the sun was shining all the young bullfrogs came up out of the water and hopped on the bank. "I think it would be good fun to see what is in the dell beside this pond," said Billy... The Land Forces Of The United States
You now are, or expect to become, a member of the land forces of the United States. Of what do the land forces of the United States consist? They consist of the Regular Army, the Volunteer Army, the Officers' Reserve Corps, the Enlisted Reserve Co... The Little China Shepherdess
On the parlor mantel of a farmhouse stood little China Shepherdess. In one hand she held a gilt crook and with the other she shaded her eyes and gazed far away. Probably she was looking for her sheep. Her dress was of red and green, and it was... The Little China Shepherdess
On the parlor mantel of a farmhouse stood little China Shepherdess. In one hand she held a gilt crook and with the other she shaded her eyes and gazed far away. Probably she was looking for her sheep. Her dress was of red and green, and it was... The Logical Way To Estimate The Situation
1st. Consider exactly what you are to do, i.e., your mission as set forth in the orders or instructions under which you are acting or as deduced by you from your knowledge of the situation. 2d. Consider all available information of the enemy. Wh... The Oblique March
For the instruction of recruits, the squad being in column or correctly aligned, the instructor causes the squad to face half right (or half left), points out to the men their relative positions, and explains that these are to be maintained in the... The Officers' Reserve Corps In Peace
During peace the Secretary of War can order any Reserve Officer to duty for instruction for a period not to exceed fifteen days in any one calendar year. While so serving, an officer will receive the pay and allowance of his grade in the Regular A... The Officers' Reserve Corps In War
In time of actual or threatened hostilities the President can order officers of the Reserve Corps to temporary duty with the Regular Army, or as officers at recruiting rendezvous and depots, or on such duty as he may prescribe. An officer thus cal... The Peacock Butterflies
Plain little Miss Butterfly sat on a bush one day, when along came Mr. Peacock, with his tail full spread. "Oh--oh!" sighed little Miss Butterfly. "How handsome he is! If only I could have a dress like the colors of Mr. Peacock's tail all the... The Peacock Butterflies
Plain little Miss Butterfly sat on a bush one day, when along came Mr. Peacock, with his tail full spread. "Oh--oh!" sighed little Miss Butterfly. "How handsome he is! If only I could have a dress like the colors of Mr. Peacock's tail all the... The Playroom Wedding
Paper Doll had been the maid of honor, but she did not at all approve of the match. "It will never be a happy marriage," she told Teddy Bear the night of the wedding. "Such marriages never are. How I should feel married to a man who wore dress... The Playroom Wedding
Paper Doll had been the maid of honor, but she did not at all approve of the match. "It will never be a happy marriage," she told Teddy Bear the night of the wedding. "Such marriages never are. How I should feel married to a man who wore dress... The Rain Elves
The Rain Elf children had been shut up in their houses for ever so long, for it had been hot and the Rain Elves do not like very hot weather. Their mothers, the Rain Clouds, awoke one morning and found the sun was not shining, so they told the... The Rain Elves
The Rain Elf children had been shut up in their houses for ever so long, for it had been hot and the Rain Elves do not like very hot weather. Their mothers, the Rain Clouds, awoke one morning and found the sun was not shining, so they told the... The Ration
A ration is the allowance (money) for the subsistence of one person for one day. It is based on the cost of a fixed amount of certain foods (such as meat, potatoes, bread, etc.) necessary for a workingman. As the cost of food in the different sect... The Reserve Officers' Training Corps
The President is authorized to establish and maintain in civil educational institutions a Reserve Officers' Training Corps which shall consist of senior and junior divisions. ... The Rests
Being at a halt, the commands are: FALL OUT; REST; AT EASE; and 1. Parade, 2. REST. At the command fall out, the men may leave the ranks, but are required to remain in the immediate vicinity. They resume their former places, at attention, at th... The Revenge Of The Fireflies
The Fireflies and the Goblins had always been good friends, just as they were with the Fairies, until one night when the Goblins held a frolic in the woods and did not invite the Fireflies to come. It was a bright moonlight night, and the Gobli... The Revenge Of The Fireflies
The Fireflies and the Goblins had always been good friends, just as they were with the Fairies, until one night when the Goblins held a frolic in the woods and did not invite the Fireflies to come. It was a bright moonlight night, and the Gobli... The Revenge Of The Gnomes
The Fairies decided to give a party one night, and invited the Goblins, but they did not ask the Gnomes, because they did not think of them. The Gnomes live so deep in the earth that the Fairies seldom meet them, and so they really forgot and d... The Revenge Of The Gnomes
The Fairies decided to give a party one night, and invited the Goblins, but they did not ask the Gnomes, because they did not think of them. The Gnomes live so deep in the earth that the Fairies seldom meet them, and so they really forgot and d... The Service Of Security
Security has the same meaning in the military world as elsewhere. We properly think of the security of our persons, our property, our families in connection with the term. In the military world the family, or community, being so much larger, the... The Tell-tale Goblin
Once upon a time there was a Little Fairy who loved to wander by the river, and as the Fairy Queen does not like her subjects to go too near the water, the Little Fairy had to steal away. Always when they held a revel this Little Fairy would fl... The Tell-tale Goblin
Once upon a time there was a Little Fairy who loved to wander by the river, and as the Fairy Queen does not like her subjects to go too near the water, the Little Fairy had to steal away. Always when they held a revel this Little Fairy would fl... The Theory Of Attack
Decisive results are obtained only by the offensive. Aggressiveness wins battles. If you want to thrash a man go after him; don't wait for him to come to you. When attacking use every available man. Have every man in the proper place at the proper... The Theory Of The Defensive
The defensive is divided into the purely passive defense and the active defense. The passive defense seeks merely to delay the enemy. The results can never be other than negative. It is usually for the purpose of gaining time and most frequentl... The Windflower's Story
One day a little Windflower growing in a garden heard the Rosebush say to the Pansies, "What a quiet little creature the Windflower is! She seems to be a modest little thing, but she never stays here long enough to get acquainted; so I do not kn... The Windflower's Story
One day a little Windflower growing in a garden heard the Rosebush say to the Pansies, "What a quiet little creature the Windflower is! She seems to be a modest little thing, but she never stays here long enough to get acquainted; so I do not kn... To Deploy As Skirmishers
Being in any formation, assembled: 1. As skirmishers, 2. MARCH. The corporal places himself in front of the squad, if not already there. Moving at a run, the men place themselves abreast of the corporal at half-pace intervals. Nos. 1 and 2 on hi... To Diminish The Front Of A Column Of Squads
Being in column of squads: 1. Right (left) by twos, 2. MARCH. At the command march all files except the two right files on the leading squad execute in Place Halt; the two left files of the leading squads oblique to the right when disengaged and f... To Dismiss The Squad
Being at a halt: 1. Inspection, 2. ARMS, 3. Port, 4. ARMS, 5. DISMISSED. Make a point of becoming sufficiently familiar with the different parts of the rifle to obey the following general rules governing the manual. The following rules govern... To Enter The Reserve Officers' Corps
The President is authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, to appoint in the Officers' Reserve Corps any graduate of the senior division of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, who shall have satisfactorily completed the two-year co... To Follow The Corporal
Being assembled or deployed, to march the squad without unnecessary commands, the corporal places himself in front of it and commands: FOLLOW ME. If in line or skirmish line, No. 2 of the front rank follows in the track of the corporal at about 3... To Form The Squad
To form the squad the instructor places himself 3 paces in front of where the center is to be and commands: Fall in. The men assemble at attention, pieces at the order, and are arranged by the corporal in double rank, as nearly as practicable in... To Halt
To arrest the march in quick or double time: 1. Squad, 2. HALT. At the command halt, given as either foot strikes the ground, plant the other foot as in marching; raise and place the first foot by the side of the other. If in double time, drop t... To Increase Or Diminish Intervals
If assembled, and it is desired to deploy at greater than the normal interval; or if deployed, and it is desired to increase or decrease the interval: 1. As skirmishers, (so many) paces, 2. MARCH. Intervals are taken at the indicated number of p... To Load
Being in line or skirmish line at halt: 1. With dummy (blank or ball) cartridges, 2. LOAD. At the command load each front-rank man or skirmisher faces half right and carries the right foot to the right, about 1 foot, to such position as will in...