Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 138, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1911 — RECLOTHING OF UNCLE SAM'S ARMY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

RECLOTHING OF UNCLE SAM'S ARMY

UNCLE SAM’S infantryman—who has to walk as well as fight—may well bless the year 1911, for the weight of his kit is to be lessened by almost one-half. The regulation 56 lb. is cut to 46 lb. with everything on, and stripped for real work in the field the foot soldier will carry but 30 lb. now, thus fitting him the better for marching and fighting. When a soldier goes into a fight there are certain things which he must carry if he is going jto be of any use to his country. These are, first of all, his weapons—rifle or revolver —and the proper ammunition, the first-aid packet, one intrenching tool, water —a thirsty soldier cannot hit a flock of barns —a mess kit, and then more ammunition. Nowadays 210 rounds are not considered any too much for the first dole of ammunition. What he does not need in a fight is his shelter —the “dog tent," overcoat, blanket, and poncho. Today the intrenching tool is regarded as next in importance to the weapon. Each man carries either a pick mattock, a shovel, or an axe. Certain men also have wire-clippers. With shovels a whole regiment can hide itself in little holes in thirty seconds, and dead soldiers are no use to a government. The old days of standing up in the face of the bullets are gone now. The only time a soldier shows himself to the enemy, if he can help it, is in the final rush. Advances are not permitted until superiority of fire is assured. But there are a score of marches to every skirmish, and the tabulated list gives the essential things that each infantryman must carry with him, all of which are distributed more or less evenly about his person. Here is the tabulated list of th® United States infantryman’s kit: One rifle One intrenching tool One gun sling One haversack One bayonet One bacon can One bayonet scab- One condiment can bard One meat can One cartridge belt One knife One hundred rounds One fork of ammunition One spoon One flrst-aid pack- Toilet articles age One pair socks. One flrst-aid pouch woolen One canteen One haversack raOne canteen cover tion One cup One emergency rwOne intrenching tool tion And the pack, which consists of: One pack-carrier One shelter half One blanket Five shelter tent One poncho pins carrier ’ Scores of further suggestions from officers have been received by the United States war department, which is responsible for this new departure, ,to make the soldier more efficient in time of war. An ambulant kitchen — a range on wheels which can cook a meal on the march —is one of the newest wrinkles proposed. Automobiles for a mobile army are demanded now. The blanket has been cut to weigh 3 lb. It is proposed to abolish the coat in the field and substitute a sweater in its place. Other recommendations are that the sergeants carry no rifle in the field but have revolvers and holos instead. Likewise the cooks are to be relieved of the rifle and have revolver and bolo, thus enabling them to carry sufficient utensile to cook for the company when other transportation has been abandoned. It is proposed to do away with the old campaign hat and to substitute the mounted police hat, which has a lower crown and a wider brim and is more comfortable. With It goes the Individual “housewife.’’ The company will carry at kit for mending for the entire outfit. A neckerchief is to be made part of the uniform. Officers win not carry their sabres In the field, and tobacco and soap wfll be

made part of the ration. The foot soldier’s little tent has been made much lighter. Nowadays each man lugs half a shelter tent, with five pins and one jointed pole; his “bunkie” lugs the other half. Now the poles are abolished. The rifle acts as a front pole and a rope takes the placq of the rear pole. In case of a surprise the rifles is even handler to get at. But even better the lessened weight will be carried in much easier fashion. The Illustration shows a front view of the new equipment of the United States foot soldier with cartridge belt

and water bottle as compared with the old equipment showing how the man’s chest was bound In by straps and suspenders. Everything Is now lighter; the fighting and comfort equipments are separated from one/ another and easily detached. Rearviews of the new and the old equipments are also shown. The new equipment shows the pack with the bayonet on the left, also the shore!, canteen, and condiment can, as compared with the old, showing how the bulkier weight flopped against the back and pelvis, thus unduly and too quickly fatiguing the soldier. Most of this great relief to the United States soldier who fights on foot is due to the untiring efforts of the officers who make up the United State Infantry Association which was organised some years ago. Its president is Lieut-General John C. Bates, Brigadier-General Clarence R. Edwards is vice-president, and Major George H. Shelton is secretary and treasurer.

Infantryman In New Equipment.