=2. Recruits.=--Although it is only by practice in shooting that a high degree of proficiency can be attained in the use of the rifle, the ammunition allowances are necessarily limited, and are calculated on the assumption _that firing will be preceded by a most thorough course of preliminary instruction_. Recruits, before they begin a course of firing, must reach a satisfactory standard in aiming, and in holding their rifles steadily while pressing the trigger, otherwise range practice will merely result in waste of ammunition.
3. =Trained Soldiers.=--(i) _Besides thoroughly grounding recruits in elementary training, trained soldiers must also be kept efficient in their preliminary instruction._ Preliminary training in musketry exercises should therefore be continued throughout the year by trained soldiers. Skill in judging distance, a perfect trigger release, dexterity in the loading motions, and the habit of adjusting sights, cannot be retained without frequent practice.
(ii) It is therefore of the utmost importance that trained soldiers should develop by constant practice a habit of recognizing targets, judging their distance, adjusting their sights, and firing quickly but steadily without undue effort. It is advisable to test the ability of trained soldiers in the standard tests of preliminary training before they begin firing in range practices. Reconnaissance and ranging exercises will be a necessary preliminary to successful fire direction.
Section =49=.--Tests of Preliminary Training.
=1. Objects of Tests.=--The tests of elementary training have been devised to fulfil the following purposes:
(i) Provide instructors with a means of testing recruits to insure that they have reached a sufficient standard before they begin range practices.
(ii) Insure that trained soldiers have retained their efficiency.
(iii) Prevent any detail of elementary training from being overlooked.
(iv) Provide a standard to be attained by technical and other troops who are unable to devote as much time as is desirable to elementary training.
=2. Nature Of Tests.=--These tests are divided into _oral_, _inspection_, and _standard_ tests. It is important that teaching should not be confused with testing. In the former a man is instructed by example and explanation; in the latter he is questioned, or ordered to carry out a certain exercise without any explanation or assistance, and either passes the qualifying standard or is relegated for further instruction.
