Topic: Drill and Training
Development of the Soldierly Spirit
Cavalry Training, General Staff, War Office, 1912
1. Soldierly spirit is the product of a high sense of personal honour and duty; of self-reliance and of mutual confidence between all ranks.
A sound soldierly spirit cannot be developed by rules, but much can be accomplished by force of example in teaching high ideals of personal conduct. Officers and N.C.O.'s must be careful, therefore, on all occasions to set a high moral, intellectual, and physical standard to their men.
Men should be taught by example to meet privations cheerfully and never to grumble at hard work or hardship.
2. Efficient instruction and good example will instill into individuals absolute confidence in their instructors and comrades. Instructors must endeavour to increase the soldier's initiative, self-confidence, and self-restraint; to train him to obey orders, or to act in the absence of orders for the advantage of his unit under all conditions; and finally to produce such a high degree of courage and disregard of self, that in the stress of battle he will be able to use his weapons and his brain coolly and to the best advantage.
3. In order to impress him with the necessity of upholding the reputation of the army, of our cavalry, and of his own regiment, the soldier should be instructed in the deeds which have made each famous.
Manly games have a great effect on the military spirit, especially if they are arranged so that all ranks generally, and not only selected teams, take part.
Drill is also an important factor, producing that habit of instant obedience which is so essential in war.
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