Selection Of A Camping Ground
Categories: OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPSMilitary Handbooks: The Plattsburg Manual
Suppose that you were sent on ahead of troops on the march to select a
camp ground for them, what big ideas should you bear in mind.
1. The ground should be large enough for the troops without crowding. In
case of rain it should be easily drained. And there should be no
stagnant water near (say, within 300 yards).
2. There should be plenty of pure water.
3. There should be good roads around.
4. Wood, grass, forage, and supplies for the men and animals must be at
hand or obtainable. Closely cropped turf with sandy or gravelly subsoil
is best.
Let us not forget that good old-fashioned guide, common sense. Men are
as human in camp as elsewhere. In hot weather shade trees are desirable.
In cold weather ground sloping to the south, with woods to break the
winds is fine.
Avoid old camp grounds, marshy ground, and places where mosquitoes are
plentiful.
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