WW1InfantryinBattle.pdf

THIS book treats of the tactics of small units as illustrated
by examples drawn from the World War. It checks the
ideas acquired from peacetime instruction against the experience
of battle. There is much evidence to show that officers who have received the best peacetime training available find themselves surprised and confused by the difference between conditions as pictured in map problems and those they encounter in campaign. This is largely because our peacetime training in tactics tends to become increasingly theoretical. In our schools we generally assume that organizations are well-trained and at full strength, that subordinates are competent, that supply arrangements function, that communications work, that orders are carried out. In war many or all of these conditions may be absent. The veteran knows that this is normal and his mental processes are not paralyzed by it. He knows that he must carry on in spite of seemingly insurmountable difficulties and regardless of the fact that the tools with which he has to work may be imperfect and worn. Moreover, he knows how to go about it. This volume is designed to give the peace-trained officer something of the viewpoint of the veteran.
By the use of numerous historical examples, the reader is acquainted with the realities of war and the extremely difficult
and highly disconcerting conditions under which tactical problems must be solved in the face of an enemy. In so far as there was material available, these examples pertain to American
troops and have been drawn from the personal experience monographs on file at The Infantry School. The combat experience
of other armies, however, has been utilized to supplement that
of our own.
This work does not purport to be a complete treatise on minor
tactics of infantry. The aim of its authors has been to develop
fully and emphasize a few important lessons which can be substantiated
by concrete cases rather than to produce just another
book of abstract theory.
GEORGE C. MARSHALL,
Colonel, Infantry.

SECOND EDITION
September 1, 1938.
The second edition of INFANTRY IN BATTLE is not a mere
reprint. The entire book has been extensively revised. Many of
the sections have been completely rewritten; much of the tactical doctrine restated; and new maps by Technical Sergeant William H. Brown substituted for those of the first edition. This work was performed by Captain C. T. Lanham, in consultation with
Lieutenant Colonel Edwin F. Harding.