U.S. War dept. Service Regulations UNITED STATES ARMY 1914 Text Corrections to February 4, 1916 MILITARY PUBLISHING CO. 42 BROADWAY NEW YORK WAR DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF, Washington, March 19, 1914. The following Field Service Regulations, revised by the General Staff of the Army, are approved and published for the information and government of the Regular Army and the Organized Militia, and in time of war, the Volunteer forces. Success in war can be achieved only by all branches and arms of the service mutually helping and supporting one another in the common effort to attain the desired end. The basic principles of the combat tactics of the different arms are set forth in the drill regulations of those arms for units as high as brigades. It is the function of higher troop leading to so combine and coordinate the combat tactics of all the arms as to develop in the combined forces the teamwork essential to success. While the fundamental principles of war are neither very numerous nor complex, their application may be difficult and must not be limited by set rules. Departure from prescribed methods is at times necessary. A thorough knowledge of the principles of war and their application enables the leader to decide when such departure should be made and to determine what methods should bring success. Officers and men of all ranks and grades are given a certain independence in the execution of the tasks to which they are assigned and are expected to show initiative in meeting the different situations as they arise. Every individual, from the highest commander to the lowest private, must always remember that inaction and neglect of opportunities will warrant more severe censure than an error in the choice of the means. By order of the Secretary of War: LEONARD WOOD, 31352ajor General, Chief of Staff. |