Author: John P. Wisser

Publisher:

Published: 2015-07-06

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 9781330844335

Excerpt from Practical Instruction in Minor Tactics and Strategy, for the Use of the Regular Army and the Militia In the Franco-German War the world was astonished at the thorough knowledge which the German officers possessed of the geography and topography of the field of operations, their familiarity with the principles of minor tactics, and the consequent rapidity of movement of their forces. To-day no European nation neglects the important studies by which this knowledge was acquired, viz., military geography and the solution of practical problems in minor tactics. The officers of the European armies begin their studies in these subjects at the military academies, complete their instruction therein at the schools of application, and at every post and garrison practice the application of the principles of minor tactics thus acquired, and perfect themselves in the knowledge of the geography of their own and surrounding countries by making rapid reconnaissances in summer and studying actual campaigns in winter, and applying to both practical tactical problems. The problems herein contained were simply compiled or adapted from those given to officers at posts, at the schools of application, and at the examinations at the war academies of Europe. The examples may be multiplied indefinitely, and applied to our own country and the campaigns of our own wars, and may thus add an interest to ordinary garrison duty, and serve to impart a knowledge of the country not otherwise attainable. There is little preparation required for the pursuit of this subject and the continued practice of this system of instruction. The works of reference required are few, and maps may be obtained from the Engineer Department, or foot and mounted reconnaissances may be made at the posts, which will furnish topographical maps sufficient for all ordinary purposes. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.