"G.A.B."

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 265, 29 July 1918, Page 7

"G.A.8."

THE WAR SLOGAN OF THE AMERICANS. Throughout tho Amerioan Army to-day there aro three letters that have a magical effect. They aro G.A.8., which, in •Vmertcan militarv slang, U shorthand for "Get a Bocho." That remains live fundamental .basis of their training, and in overy part of their course officers and non-coms, have it instilled into them that the killing of tho enemy is I he main object for which they are beins,- instructed. In tho organisation of their tramin" camp tho Americans Imvo aimed throughout at securing tho greatest possible simplification. They livo very .simply in huts, whero officer:-, are housed in conditions of Spartan sevuiiy. Their meal times aro short anil their hours of work long, "because," ns one of the instructors said to me, "wo realise that wo have a lot of leeway to make up." The lectures given to them aro of short duration, and officers attend them standing, most of thoir time boing spent in practical field exercises. In tho early days of tho American Army there was perhaps <i tendency to rush their instruction, and there wore signs of mental, indigestion. It is in this direction that tho chansre is most marked. In the whole attitude of the men it is noticeable that tiny now liavo standards of comparison'with which to judgo their instruction, and (hat from their personal experience l"oy realise definitely and in detail exactly how far the training they are receiving will stand them in good stead when they get into tho line. The training remains of a very intensive character, and the system adopted ia to specialise in every branch, two days being devoted at tho end of every courso to showing 6tudonts how to harmonise and co-ordinato tho work of tho various arms. Tho training is designed particularly to correct any natural defects, and to intensify and develop any natural qualities. Thus, bceauso tho Americans tend to dislike trench warfare, special attention is concentrated on it, and'because they are naturally expert shots the use of the riflo is developed to tho'greatest possible extent. As regards the latter point, they aro benefiting by British and French experience because it has been found that thero has been an unfortunate tendency unduly to neglect the use of the ritle. American experience' shows that it is rifle (ire that has been most effective in inflicting casualties on tho Germans. Staleness is a danger against which the instructors are very much on their guard, and so far tho troops have remained singularly free from it. It is staved off by tho encouragement of games and sports. Thus football is played regularly J>y tho men, and while I was at tho camp arrangements were being made for a game of baseball to be played. Competitions in bayonet work, shooting, etc., are arranged as part of the day's work, and the greatest keenness is shown by tho men in the results.