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Chapter 18: Warfare
Military Training
Though military training differs depending
on the kingdom or state, and race or species, the
following typifies organized training.
Rounded shields of wicker are woven so that
the frame is double the weight of a battle shield.
Similarly, recruits are given wooden foils that are
double the weight of battle swords. Training grounds
consist of adult-sized wooden stakes driven into the
ground. Recruits practice attacking these stakes just
as if they were their foes. Practice occurs in the
morning and afternoon. During training, recruits
are instructed to attack the head foremost, and the
hamstrings or shins secondarily. In fact, besides soldiers,
gladiators also train with such stakes. Training
with the stake has proven to be significant preparation
for actual warfare.
Recruits are often taught with a wooden
sword to stab, not hack. Most trained swordsmen
mock those who attack by hacking with swords. A
hack with a sword, even if delivered with force, frequently
does not kill when the vitals are protected.
In contrast, stabbing proves fatal when a point is
inserted 2 inches into a human, on average. Next, it
is reasoned, that when a hack is delivered, the right
arm and flank are exposed. A stabbing point, however,
is delivered with the cover of the body and
often wounds the foe before they see it.
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During training, recruits are given a heavy
wooden sword and heavy wicker shield so that when
the recruit takes up the real and lighter weapons,
the warrior will fight faster, more safely, and feel
freed from the weight. Besides the sword, other
weapons are utilized in training at the stakes, such as
spears and bows.
Vaulting onto horses is always insisted upon
not only of human recruits, but also of serving warriors.
Pracitice is continued until it seems easy. In
winter, wooden horses are set up under a roof -- in
summer, in the open. Recruits are first encouraged
to mount these unarmed. When used to it, they
arm themselves and practice until comfortable. Warriors
learn to leap both on and off, and from the
right side as well as the left.
Recruits, as well as seaoned warriors, are
made to march with the burden of carrying 60
pounds while keeping a military pace. In this way,
during an actual military campaign, warriors will be
able to carry their armor, weapons, and supplies.
At all times, military training is done in
proper armor. It is believed that if this tenet is relaxed,
then the warriors will get used to it and consider
armor a burden. If this happens, then this
perception will negatively affect the performance
of the warrior in actual warfare.