G-5 Training Memorandum Number 26 from Chief of Staff Stuart Heintzelman

2nd Br 0 P V 1054. headQuarters SECOND ARMY American E. F., FRANCE, 16 February, 1919. 21.00 HOURS. G-5 TRAINING MEMORANDUM ) NO. 26 ) (1. Tactical Walks. ( 2 Atbletic Exercise. NATIONAL SERVICE" ( 3. Establishment of Higher P.C's. in SUBJECT: ( Maneuvers and Terrain Exercises. is (4. Telks by Company, Battalion and ( Regimental Commanders. 1. It is believed that the Brigades of the respective Divi- sions of the Second Army have reached a state of training where Tactical Walks conducted by experienced officers will be of im- mense benefit to the officers of these brigades in instructing them in the subject of tactics, study of the terrain and its in- fluence on the estimate of situations, troop leadership, etc. Authority has been obtained from the Commander-in-Chief to change the work of training insomuch that Tactical Walks will be sub- stituted for the Brigade Terrain Exercises, until further instruc- tions. Division Commanders will designate competent officers from their Divisions to prepare and conduct these Walks as out- lined above. 2. On account of the rigid schedule of training, as outlined in G.O. 207 and 236, G.H.Q., and the strict interpretation thereof, the subject of atbletic exercise has not received the interest and attention that is desired by the Army Commander. Instead of the daily routine of one hour's exercise, authority has been ob- tained to have exercise and games three times a week in organi- zations desiring to so arrange their schedules. At least five hours per week will be devoted to athletics, as heretofore. 3. In the future, in all maneuvers, problems and exercises, no matter how small or how large the unit, which is engaged in the exercise, the P.C. of the next bigher unit will also be establish- ed and the reports, orders, etc., necessary for the next higher commander to estimate the situation, will be forwarded to his P. C. It is believed that a great amount of training in liaison and staff work will result and will prevent the habit of neglecting to send messages to bigher beadquarters as well as prevent s ending everything without considering its importance or value to the high- er headquarters. 4. It is believed that much may be accomplished by unit com- manders towards the education of the men along current events of the day, creating esprit-de-corps, impressing the ideas and desires of the Division Commander upon the men, etc. by frequent talks and lectures along these lines. These talks not only enable the men to gain confidence in their officers, but-it also increases the self-confidence of the officers in their ability to lecture and talk before an audience. The method adopted by the Germans, in transmitting ideas to their troops, was to take advantage of rest periods between drills, marches and regular assemblies and to make many but short talks. By command of Lieutenant General Bullard: OFFICIAL: STUART HEINTZELMAN, J. R. BRABSON, Chief of Staff It. Col. G.S. A. C. of S. G-5.