iv. Sanitation, its object and rules to follow: hints on

marching and care of feet, &c.

Lectures should be given under the most comfortable circumstances to the hearers and use should be made of models and the blackboard, in order to engage and hold their attention and interest.

9. No definite period for the course above outlined can be laid down, since it will depend on a number of varying circumstances, but it is considered that 12 weeks would be needed to give the average recruit a sound preliminary training. To enable his training in more important subjects to go on uninterruptedly after joining his unit, every effort must be made to complete that portion of the course which consists of physical training and marching drill.

10. It should be impressed on recruits that their prospects of civil employment in after life depend on their conduct whilst in the army, that preference is given to such as have exemplary or very good characters, and that sobriety is a very important qualification for employment.

4. _Recruit training in the battery._

1. Recruits should, if possible, be posted to batteries in batches. Further training in the various subjects referred to in Sec. =3= will usually be necessary. The same instructors should, if possible, deal with the same subjects throughout this training and one officer should be specially charged with superintending the work and giving the class a series of lectures.

2. During this period a careful watch should be kept for men who are likely to become useful non-commissioned officers, or who show an aptitude for any special duties; and every encouragement should be given them to improve themselves.

THE ANNUAL TRAINING OF THE SOLDIER.

=5.= _System of training._

_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Sec. =3=.

1. The conditions in which the artillery is raised in different parts of the Empire vary so greatly that rigid adherence to any one system of training is impossible, but the methods described in the following pages should be followed as closely as circumstances allow.

2. The training of the soldier must be progressive and continuous.

With this object the training year will be divided into two periods, which will be devoted respectively to--

i. Individual training. ii. Collective training.

The object of individual training is to prepare the individual officer, non-commissioned officer or soldier for the duties which he will be required to carry out in war.

The object of collective training is to render the sections, batteries and larger units and formations capable of manœuvre and co-operation in battle.

3. Whatever periods are allotted for individual and collective training the instruction of individuals and units is not to be considered as limited to these periods respectively. Advantage must be taken of any opportunities which may arise for individual training during the period of collective training, and _vice versâ_. (_See_ T. and Man. Regs., Sec. =7=.)

4. It is undesirable to lay down fixed courses of training, and it will rest with commanders to design for themselves programmes for each training period which will ensure the necessary standard of efficiency being reached within the limits of time allowed.

Under special circumstances, detailed instructions may be issued by higher authority for the training of subordinate commands. Detailed instructions should, however, be sparingly employed as they cramp initiative and increase rather than facilitate the work of subordinates.

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING.

_See also_ T. and Man. Regs., Chap. II.

=6.= _General instructions._

1. Individual training must be, as far as possible, progressive and uninterrupted.

The success of each year’s collective training will largely depend on the care and attention devoted to the individual training which precedes it.

2. Leave and furlough should, if possible, be so arranged that each battery is at full strength for a period, or periods amounting in all to not less than 24 working days. When this is not possible, the application of this rule may be limited to the section. During this period or periods the battery or section should be struck off duty in order to allow its commander to carry out a complete and thorough course of individual training for his officers and men.

3. Short lectures, practically illustrated, form one of the best means of imparting instruction and are also of value in educating officers and non-commissioned officers to express themselves in clear and simple terms.

4. Individual training comprises:--

i. Instruction of officers in professional duties (King’s Regulations, and T. and Man. Regs., Chap. II).