The training of an infantry company

by E. (Edward) Kirkpatrick

"The Training of an Infantry Company" by Major E. Kirkpatrick is a military instructional manual written during the early 20th century. The work serves as a guide to company commanders and focuses on field training methods for infantry soldiers in preparation for actual combat situations. The book draws from official training manuals and is particularly aimed at officers lacking extensive experience, providing them with practical exercises and guidelines to effectively train their troops. The opening of this manual establishes its purpose by addressing the need for clear, practical training strategies for infantry companies. Kirkpatrick emphasizes that many prospective trainers may lack experience and offers structured exercises aimed at developing the skills necessary for commanding soldiers during battle. He lays out foundational principles of attack and defense while presenting the importance of organized training, highlighting aspects such as discipline, the significance of utilizing suitable training grounds, and the necessity for self-reliant soldier capabilities under pressure. This section sets the context for a series of progressively arranged exercises that will follow, designed to help infantry officers enhance their unit's effectiveness in real-world scenarios.