september - october - Fort Sill

THE FIELD ARTILLERY JOURNAL
Unit Operations. (This term as used in these training manuals means an
applicatory problem complete in itself, the performance of which
serves to illustrate in a concrete manner some one specific point or
theory.)
Suggestions for the Instructor.
Instruction Tests.
Progress Tests.
Proficiency Tests.
Information Topics.
Not a very cheering line-up for anyone attempting to find a specific bit of
information, it is granted, but quite logical if the purpose of the manual is
borne in mind.
In general, in order to use these manuals it will be necessary to proceed
as follows:
First: Read the preface and introduction to the manual in question.
Second: Pick out those Unit Operations in which instruction appears
desirable. In each manual will be found Unit Operations of small value to the
Field Artillery. There will also be found some of no value. The instructor
should exercise his judgment in selecting those operations necessary for the
complete instruction of his unit. He should also fit the total number of Unit
Operations to be taken up in any one drill period to the time at his disposal.
Third: Before attempting to teach a Unit Operation, read carefully the
"Suggestions to the Instructor" for that Unit Operation. These will appear
in the white pages immediately following the operation in question. The
chances are that reference will be made here to the Information Topics
which apply to that particular subject. However, it is recommended that the
instructor read all Information Topics before the second step, that is, before
picking out the desirable Unit Operations.
Fourth: Teach the Unit Operations as laid down. Much of the equipment
asked for in the equipment list will not be obtainable, but a great deal of it
may be substituted or improvised.
Fifth: Give as many of the various tests as time and opportunity permit.
Whether you believe that the qualifications obtained thereby mean anything or
not, you must admit that a drill is a drill, whether in the day room or on the
field. Another use may also be made of these tests. They will save the
instructor mental labor when it becomes necessary to devise drills or exercises
for the older members of the detail who are not undergoing the individual
training through absence because of sickness, special duty or the like.
Let us take a concrete example. Let us say that Lieutenant
Dumbjohn reports for duty and is assigned as reconnaissance officer.
His battery commander wishes him to bear down a bit on the
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