OR I'LL REGULATION 
POEiTHE 
'I I A;I, lx)BPS 
bmy HOSPITAL CORPS 
DRILL REGULATIONS, 
U. S. ARMY. 
U.6. 
PUBLISHED I?y AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 
WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1893. War Department, 
Washington, D. C., July 17, 1893. 
A board of medical'officers having prepared a system 
of Drill Regulations for the Hospital Corps, U. S. Army, 
which has,been approved by the President, it is here- 
with published for the information and government of 
the Army and for the observance of the Militia of the 
United States. 
With a view to insure uniformity in the Army all 
Hospital Corps exercises and maneuvers not embraced 
in this system are prohibited and those herein pre- 
scribed will be strictly observed. 
DANIEL S. LAMONT, 
Secretary of War. DRILL REGULATIONS 
FOR THE 
HOSPITAL CORPS, U. S. ARMY. 
1. The senior medical officer of the detachment is re- 
sponsible for the theoretical and practical instruction of 
the officers, noncommissioned officers, and privates, lie 
requires them to study and recite these regulations so 
that they can explain thoroughly every movement before 
b is put into execution. 
THE DETACHMENT. 
2. The detachment, when formed, is in single rank, 
rivates of the Hospital Corps on the right, company 
earers on the left, each class graduated in size, the 
dlest men on the right. 
POSTS OF OFFICERS AND NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS.* 
3. The medical officer commanding is two paces in 
t-ont of the center of the detachment, the junior medical 
fficers according to rank from right to left are in the 
ine of tile closers two paces in rear. Medical officers 
hove the rank of lieutenant are four paces in rear of the 
ile closers. 
*For the purposes of these drill regulations the term noncommissioned 
officer includes hospital stewards and acting hospital stewards. Medical officers take posts in the r respective lines at 
equal intervals; if only one, he 5° ; Ooite i mter; if 
two, one is opposite the center of . half < . detach- 
ment; if three, one is opposite the center , others as 
with two. 
The senior noncommissioned officer i: paces in rear 
of the second file from the right, on t1 ght of the line 
of file closers. 
The second noncommissioned offi is on the right of 
the rank and is right guide of the ' .acliment. 
The third noncommissioned oer is on the left o: 
the rank and is the left guide. 
The remaining noncommissi-.-ned officers are distrib- 
uted along the line of file closers from right to left, ac- 
cording to rank. 
If necessary a suitable private may be designated to 
act as right or left guide. 
Absent officers and noncommissioned officers are gen- 
erally replaced by the next in rank or grade. 
TO FORM THE DETACHMENT. 
4. At the signal for the assembly,* the senior not 
commissioned officer takes his position in front of wher 
the center of the detachment is to be. and facing it, com 
mands: 
Fall in. 
The second noncommissioned officer, or a designate 
private, places himself facing to the front, where the rigl 
of the detachment is to rest, and at such a point that i 
center will be six paces from and opposite the senior nor 
commissioned officer; he closes his left hand and place 
the knuckles against the waist above the hip, writ 
straight, back of hand to the front. The men, with lei 
* The assembly may be sounded by bugle or whistle. arm in the same position, assemble rapidly at attention, 
so that the right arm of each man rests lightly against 
the left elbow of the man next on his right, each drop- 
ping the left hand as soon as the man next on his left 
has his interval. 
The other noncommissioned officers then take their 
posts. 
The senior noncommissioned officer calls the roll, 
each man answering, “ Here,” as his name is called. 
5. The men being in line as described, the senior non- 
■ommissioned officer faces them to the right and arranges 
hem according to height, tallest man in front; he then 
aces them to the left into line. The detachment being 
fized, habitually forms in the same order. 
0. The senior noncommmissioned officer having drawn 
his saber and brought it to the carry, then commands: 
TO SIZE THE DETACHMENT. 
1. Count, 2. Fours. 
Beginning on the right the men count One, Two, Three, 
Four, and so on to the left. The guides do not count. 
If the four on the left consists of less than three men 
they are ordinarily assigned to other fours and placed in 
the line of file closers, each in rear of the four to which 
assigned. He then commands: 
1. Count, 2. Squads; 
when each No. 1 calls out the number of his squad in 
numerical order from right to left. 
The officer commanding having approached the front 
and center of the detachment, the senior noncommis- sioned officer faces about, salutes * him, reports the result 
of the roll call and then, without command, takes his 
post, passing around the right flank. 
The junior medical officers take their posts, draw 
sword, and bring it to the carry as soon as the noncom- 
missioned officer has reported. 
* The senior noncommissioned officer when armed with a saber salutes 
by bringing it to the first position of inspection arms [Par. 176], and then to 
the carry. When not armed he raises the right hand smartly till the fore- 
finger touches the lower part of the headdress above the right eye, thumb 
and fingers extended and joined, palm to the left, forearm inclined at 
about forty-five degrees, hand and wrist straight; and then drops the arm 
quietly by the side. This is the salute for all enlisted men without arms. ALIGNMENTS. 
7. The officer commanding, having received the de- 
tachment, draws sword and commands: 
1. Eight (or left), 2. Dress, 3. Front. 
At the command dress, the men place the left hand 
above the hip, turn the head and eyes in the direction of 
the guide, and dress up to the line; the officer command- 
ing verifies the alignment. At the command front, the 
men turn the head and eyes to the front and drop the left 
hand. 
In all alignments, excepting of the file closers, the 
left hand is placed above the hip, and at front dropped to 
the side. The detachment is aligned whenever necessary. MARCHINGS. 
8. When the execution of a movement is improperly 
begun and the instructor wishes to begin it anew for the 
purpose of correcting it, he commands: As you were; at 
which the movement ceases and the former position is 
resumed. 
9. The length of the full step in quick time is 30 inches 
measured from heel to heel, and the cadence is at the 
rate of 120 steps per minute. 
TO MARCH IN LINE. 
10. Being in line at a halt: 
1. Forward, 2. Guide right (or left), 3. March. 
The men step off, the guide marching straight to the 
front. 
The instructor sees that the men preserve the interval 
and alignment. 
To change the guide: Guide left (or right). 
11. If the men lose step, the instructor commands: 
Step. 
The men glance toward the side of the guide, retake 
the step, and cast their eyes to the front. 
TO MARCH BACKWARD 
1. Backward, 2. Guide, right (or left), 3. March. 
At the command march, step back with the left foot 15 
inches straight to the rear, measuring from heel to heel, 
then with the right, and so on, the feet alternating. 
12. Being at a halt: 11 
TO MARCH TO THE REAR. 
IB. Being in march: 
1. To the rear, 2. March, 3. Guide right (or left). 
At the command march, given as the right foot strikes 
the ground, advance and plant the left foot; then turnon 
the balls of both feet, face to the right about, and imme- 
diately step off with the left foot. 
If marching in double time, turn to the right about, 
taking four short steps in place, keeping the cadence, 
and then step off with the left foot. 
TO SIDE STEP. 
14. Being at a halt: 
1. Right (or left) step, 2. March. 
At tlie command, march, carry the right foot 12 inches 
to the right, keeping knees straight and shoulders square 
to the front; as soon as the right foot is planted, bring 
the left foot to the side of it, and continue the movement. 
TO MARCH BY THE FLANK, IN COLUMN OF FILES. 
15. Being in line at a halt: 
1. Right (or left), 2. Face, B. Forward, 4. March. 
Being in march: 
1. By the right (or left) flank, 2. March. 
At the command march, given as the right foot strikes 
the ground, advance and plant the left f6ot, then face to 
the right in marching and step off in the new direction 
with the right foot. 
To halt the column of files: 1. Detachment, 2. Halt; 
and to face it to the front: 3. Left (or right), 4. Face. 12 
MARCHING IN COLUMN OF FILES, TO MARCH IN LINE. 
l(i. 1. By the left (or right) flunk, 2. March, 3. Guide 
right (or left). 
TO CHANGE DIRECTION IN COLUMN OF FILES. 
17. Being in march: 
1. Column right {ox left)-, or, 1. Column half right (or half 
left), 2. March. 
The leading file wheels to the right. The other files 
follow the first and wheel on the same ground. 
Being at a halt: 
1. Forward, 2. Column right (ole left), 3. March; 
or: 
2. Column half right (or half left), 3. March. 
THE OBLIQUE MARCH. 
18. Being in line at a halt, or in march: 
1. Right (or left) oblique, 2. March. 
Par. 18. Right Oblique. 
At the command march, each man half faces to the 
right, at the same time stepping-off in the new direction 13 
lie preserves his relative position, keeping his shoulders 
parallel to those of the man next on his right, and so reg- 
ulates his step as to make the head of this man conceal 
the heads of the other men in the rank; the rank remains 
parallel to its original front. 
At the command halt, the men halt, faced to the front. 
To resume the original direction: 
1. Forward, 2. March. 
The men half face to the left in marching and then 
move straight to the front. 
TO. MARCH IN DOUBLE TIME. 
19. The length of the full step in double time is 86 
inches; the cadence is at the rate of 180 steps per minute. 
Being in line at a halt: 
1. Forward, 2. Guide right (or left), 3. Double time, 4. 
March. 
At the third command the hands are raised until the 
fore-arms are horizontal, fingers closed and toward the 
body, the elbows to the rear. 
TO PASS FROM QUICK TO DOUBLE TIME, AND THE RE- 
VERSE. 
20. 1. Double time, 2. March. 
At the command march, given as the left foot strikes 
the ground, advance the right foot in quick time, and step 
off with the left foot in double time. 
To resume quick time: 
1. Quick time, 2. March. 
At the command march, given as either foot is coming 
to the ground, the detachment resumes quick time. TURNINGS. 
TO TURN AND HALT. 
21. Marching in line: 
1. Detachment right (or left), 2. March, 3. Front. 
At the command 
march, the right guide 
halts and faces to the 
right; the other files half 
face to the right in 
marching, and without 
changing the length or 
cadence of the step place 
themselves successively 
upon the alignment es- 
tablished by the right 
guide; all dress to the 
right without command. 
The instructor verifies 
the alignment from the 
pivot flank and com- 
mands: Front. 
If at a halt, the movement is executed in the same 
manner. 
Detachment half right (or half left) is executed in the 
same manner, except that the guide makes a half face to 
the right. 
Par. 21. Detachment Right. 
22. Marching in line: 
TO TURN AND ADVANCE. 
1. Right (or left) turn, 2. March, 3. Forward, 4. March, 
5. Guide right (or left). 
At the second command, the guide marches by the 
right flank, taking the short step without changing the 15 
cadence; the other men half face to the right in marching, 
and moving by the shortest line successively place them- 
selves on the new line, when they take the short step (15 
inches). 
When the last man has arrived on the new line, the 
fourth command is given, when all resume the full step. 
During the turn the guide is, without command, on 
the pivot flank. The guide is announced on resuming 
the full step. 
If at a halt, the movement is similarly executed, and 
in quick time, uidess the command double time is given. 
Right (or left) half turn is executed in the same man- 
ner, except that the guide makes a half face to the right. 
Should the command halt be given during the execu- 
tion of the movement, those men who are on the new 
line halt; theothers halt on arriving on the line; all dress 
to the right without command. 
The instructor verifies the alignment from the pivot 
flank and commands: Front. 
MARCHING IN LINE, TO EFFECT A SLIGHT CHANGE OF 
DIRECTION. 
23. Incline to the right (or left). 
Each man advances the left shoulder and marches in 
the new direction. 
BEING IN LINE TO MARCH BY THE FLANK, IN COLUMN 
OF FOURS. 
24. 1. Fours right (or left), 2. March. 
Each four wheels ninety degrees to the right on a 
fixed pivot, the pivot man turning strictly in his place; 
the man on the marching flank maintains the full step, 
moving on the arc of a circle with the pivot man as the 16 
center; the men dress on the marching flank, shorten 
their steps according to their distance from it, and keep 
their intervals from the pivot. Upon the completion of 
the wheel, each four takes the full step, marching in a 
direction parallel to its former front; the second four is 
one hundred inches from the first four, and so on to the 
rear of the column; the right and left guides place them- 
selves forty-four inches in front and rear respectively of 
the left file of the leading and rear fours; the file closers 
face to the right and maintain their relative positions. 
The officer commanding in columns of fours, twos, and 
files is by the side of the leading guide on the flank op- 
posite the file closers; he takes this position at the com- 
mand march. 
Par. 24. Fours Right. 
The leading and rear guides in columns of fours, twos, 
and files are in front and rear respectively of the leading 
or rear file on the side opposite the file closers. 17 
The tile closers march two paces from the flank of 
the column and see that the fours maintain their dis- 
tances. 
In all changes by fours from line into column and 
column into line, or from column of fours into twos, files 
or the reverse, and in all wheels about by fours, either 
in line or column, the officer commanding and guides 
take their proper places in the most convenient way as 
soon as practicable. 
All wheels by fours, except in changing direction, are 
executed on a fixed pivot. 
Time, rules are general. 
BEING IN LINE TO FORM COLUMN OF FOURS AND HALT. 
25. 1. Fours right (or left), 2. March, 3. Detachment, 
4. Halt. 
The command halt is given as the wheel is completed; 
all dress toward the marching flank. 
In column of fours, the ranks dress toward the side of 
the guide. 
In all wheelings by fours, the forward march is taken 
upon the completion of the movement, unless the com- 
mand halt be given. 
At the command halt, given as either foot is coming 
to the ground, the foot in rear is brought up and planted 
without shock by the side of the other. 
MARCHING IN COLUMN OF FOURS, TO CHANGE DIRECTION. 
2(>. 1. Column right (or left), 2. March. 
The leading four wheels on a movable pivot: the pivot 
18895-2 18 
man takes steps of ten inches in quick time, and twelve 
inches in double time, gaining ground forward so as to 
clear the wheeling point; the wheel completed, the full 
step is taken; the man on the side of the guide follows 
forty-four inches in rear of the guide; the other fours 
move forward and wheel on the same ground. If the 
change of direction be toward the side of the guide, he 
shortens his step and wheels as if on the pivot flank of a 
rank of four; if the change be to the side opposite the 
guide, he wheels as if on the marching flank of a rank of 
four. 
Column half right (or half left) is similarly executed 
each four wheeling forty-five degrees. 
TO PUT THE COLUMN OF FOURS IN MARCH AND CHANGE 
DIRECTION AT THE SAME TIME. 
27. 1. Forward, 2. Column right (or left); or, 2. Column 
half right (or half left), 3. March. 
BEING IN LINE, TO FORM COLUMN OF FOURS AND CHANGE 
DIRECTION. 
28. 1. Fours right (or left), 2. Column right (or left); 
or, 2. Column half right (or half left), 3. March. 
BEING IN LINE, TO MARCH IN COLUMN OF FOURS TO THE 
FRONT. 
29. 1. Right (or left) forward, 2. Fours right (or left), 3. 
March. 19 
At the command march, the right guide places himself 
in front of the left 
file of the right four; 
the right four moves 
straight to the front, 
shortening the first 
three or four steps; 
the other fours 
wheel to the right, 
each on a fixed pivot; 
thesecond fourwhen 
its whee 1 is two- 
thirds completed, 
wheels to the left on 
a movable pivot and 
follows the first; the 
other fours having 
wheeled to the right, 
move forward, and 
each wheels to the 
left on a movable 
pivot, so as to follow 
the second. 
BEING IN COLUMN OB’ B'OURS, TO CHANGE THE BTLE 
CLOSERS FROM ONE FLANK OF THE COLUMN TO THE 
OTHER. 
30. 1. File closers on left {ox right flank), 2. March. 
At the first command the file closers close in to the 
flank of the column, and at the command march, dart 
through the column. 
TO OBLIQUE IN COLUMN OF FOURS, AND TO RESUME THE 
DIRECT MARCH. 
31. 1. Right (or left) oblique, 2. March. 
Each four obliques as prescribed (Par. 18). 
Par. 29. Bight Forward, Fours Bight. 20 
To resume the direct march : 
TO MARCH IN COLUMN OF FOURS TO THE REAR. 
1. Forward, 2. March. 
82. 1. Fours right (or left) about, 2. March. 
Each four wheels 180 degrees to the right. 
The file closers do not pass through the column, but 
gain the space to the right or left necessary to preserve 
their interval from the flank. 
TO FORM LINE FROM COLUMN OF FOURS. 
1. Fours right (or left), 2. March, 3. Guide right (or left)-, 
or, 3. Detachment, 4. Halt. 
83. To the right or left: 
At the command march, the fours wheel to the right. 
The guide is announced, or the command halt is 
given, the instant the fours unite in line. 
If the line be formed toward the side of the file 
closers, they close in to the flank of the column at the 
first command, and at the command march dart through 
the column. 
1. On right (or left) into line, 2. March, 3. Detachment, 
4. Halt, 5. Front. 
84. On right or left: 
At the command march, the leading four wheels to 
the right on a movable pivot and moves forward, dress- 
ing to the right; the guide places himself on its right; 
each of the other fours marches a distance equal to its 
front beyond the wheeling point of the four next pre- 
ceding, wheels to the right and advances as explained 
for the first four; the rear guide places himself on the 
left of the rear four after it halts. 21 
At the command halt, given when the leading four 
has advanced a suitable distance in the new direction, it 
halts and dresses to the right; the other fours succes- 
sively halt and dress upon arriving in line. 1 
Par. 34. On Right into Line 22 
The command front is given when the left four com- 
pletes its dressing. 
If the movement be executed toward the side opposite 
the tile closers, each follows the four nearest him, passing 
in front of the following four. 
1. Right (or left) front into line, 2. M arch, 3. Detachment, 
4. Halt, 5. Front. 
35. To the front: 
At the command 
march, the leading four 
moves straight to the 
front, dressing to the left: 
the guide in front places 
himself on its left; the 
other fours oblique to the 
right till opposite their 
places in line, when each 
marches to the front. 
At the command halt, 
given when the leading- 
four has advanced a suit- 
able distance, it halts and 
dresses to the left; the 
other fours halt and dress 
to the left upon arriving 
in line; the guide in rear 
places himself on the 
right of the rank upon 
the arrival of the last four 
in line; the command 
front is given when the 
last four completes its 
dressing. 
If the movement be made toward the side of the file 
Par. 35. Right front into line. 23 
closers, they dart through the column as the oblique 
commences. 
If marching in double time, or in quick time, and the 
command be double time, the command guide left is given 
immediately after the command march; the leading four 
moves to the front in quick time; the other fours oblique 
in double time, each taking the quick time and dressing 
to the left upon arriving in line. 
BEING IN LINE, TO PACE TO THE HEAR AND TO MARCH 
TO THE REAR. 
36. 1. Fours right (or left) about, 2. March, 3. De- 
tachment, 4. Halt; or, 3. Guide right (or left). 
The fours wheel about; the file closers dart through 
the nearest intervals. 
37. The detachment at a halt, may be marched a few 
paces to the rear by the commands: 
1. Detachment, 2. About, 3. Face, 4. Forward,, 5. Guide 
right (or left), 6. March; 
or, if in march, by the commands: 
1. To the rear, 2. March, 3. Guide right (or left). 
The file closers on facing about maintain their rela- 
tive positions. 
BEING IN COLUMN OP FOURS, TO FORM COLUMN OP TWOS. 
38. This movement is always executed toward the 
file closers; it is used only for the purpose of reducing 
the front of the column to enable it to pass a defile or 
other narrow place, immediately after which the column 
of fours should be re-formed. 24 
1. Right (or left) by tiros, 2. March. 
At the command march, the two 
files on the right of each four move 
forward; the two files on the left take 
the short step till disengaged, when 
they oblique to the right and follow 
the right files. 
The distance between ranks in col- 
umn of twos is forty-four inches; the 
guides take the same distance in front 
and rear of the column. 
Par. 38. Right by Twos. 
BEING IN COLUMN OF FOURS AT A HALT, TO FORM COLUMN 
OF FILES. 
At the command march, the right file of each four moves 
forward, followed in succession by the files on his left, 
who oblique to the right, the men keeping closed as 
nearly as possible to facing distance; the guides take the 
same distance. 
39. 1. Right (or left) by file, 2. March. 
If marching, the leading file continues the march; the 
others take the short step, oblique to the right and follow 
the leading file. 
Column of files from column of twos is similarly ex- 
ecuted. 
40. A column of twos or files changes direction, is 
halted and put in march by the same commands as a 
column of fours. 
. The march in column of fours, twos, or files is always in 
quick time unless otherwise ordered. 
41. A column of fours, twos, or files may be faced to 
the rear, or to a flank, and marched a short distance, but 
no other movements should be executed until the column 
is again faced to the original front. The officers and 25 
noncommissioned officers face with the column and retain 
their positions. 
BEING IN COLUMN OF TWOS OR FILES, TO FORM COLUMN 
OF FOURS. 
42. These movements are always executed away from 
the file closers. 
1. Form fours, 2. Left (or right) oblique, 3. March. 
At the command march, the leading 
two of each four take the short step; 
the rear two oblique to the left until 
they uncover the leading two, when 
they move to the front, and the fours 
having united, all resume the full 
step. 
Being in column of files: 
43. 1. Form fours, 2. Left (or right) 
oblique, 3. March. 
Marching in column of twos: 
Par. 42. Form Fours, 
Left Oblique. 
At the command march, the leading file of each four 
halts; the other files oblique to the left and place them- 
selves successively on the left of the leading file, the dis- 
tance between the fours being one hundred inches. 
Column of twos is formed from column of files on the 
same principles. THE PESTS. 
44. Being at a halt, to rest the men: 
At the command/aK out, the men may leave the ranks, 
but will remain in the immediate vicinity. 
At the command fall in, they resume their former 
places. 
At the command rest, the men keep one heel in place, 
but are not required to preserve silence or immobility. 
At the command at ease, the men keep one heel in 
place and preserve silence, but not immobility. 
45. To resume the attention: 
Fall Out; or Rest; or At Ease. 
The men take the position of the soldier and lix their 
attention. 
1. Detachment, 2. Attention. 
46. 1. Parade, 2. Rest. 
Carry the right foot six inches straight to the rear, left 
knee slightly bent; clasp the hands in front of the center 
of the body, left hand uppermost, left thumb clasped by 
thumb and forefinger of right hand; preserve silence and 
steadiness of position. 
To resume the position of the soldier: 
1. Detachment, 2. Attention. 
47. Being in line at a halt, the officer commanding 
directs the senior noncommissioned officer: Dismiss the 
detachment. The officers return sword and fall out, the 
senior noncommissioned officer salutes, steps in front of 
the detachment, and commands: Dismissed. 
TO DISMISS THE DETACHMENT. LITTER DRILL. 
THE LITTER AND SLING. 
48. The regulation hand litter consists of a canvas 
bed, 6 feet long and 22 inches wide, made fast to two poles 
feet long, and stretched by two jointed braces. The 
ends of the poles form the handles, 9 inches long, by 
which the litter is carried. The fixed iron legs are loop- 
shaped, 4 inches high and 1% inches wide. On the left 
front and right rear handles a half round iron ring is 
fixed, 414 inches from the end ; between this and the can- 
vas plays the movable ring of the sling. Two cross 
straps, each with a ring at one end and a snap at the 
other, play through staples fastened to the bottom of each 
pole beneath the canvas and near its free edges. When 
the litter is open the straps lie transversely under the 
canvas; when the litter is closed they are passed around 
it through the free loop of the slings and fastened to the 
snaps, thus securely closing the litter. 
49. One pair of regulation slings is permanently at- 
tached to each litter. They are made of gray woolen 
webbing, 234 inches wide, with a leather-lined loop at 
one end and a leather strap (with buckle) at the other, 
the strap passing through a steel swivel, itself attached 
to the movable ring on the handle. 
50. Officers and noncommissioned officers at this drill 
will wear side arms, and the latter leggings. The instruc- 
tor will require that the clothing of the men be clean and 
neatly adjusted ; that the privates of the Hospital Corps 
fall in equipped with pouch, belt, knife, and leggings, 
and that the company bearers wear belts and brassards.* 
51. For purposes of litter drill each set of four is a litter 
* When practicable it is advisable to have the men who are to represent 
the wounded dressed in fatigue suits ; they remain in the line of tile-closers 
until needed. 28 
squad. The litter squad is marched by the commands 
applicable to a set of four, substituting “ litter ”f'or “ four.” 
52. No. 1 is the squad leader ; he commands his squad 
and is responsible for it; in his absence, No. 4, and both 
Nos. 1 and 4 being absent, No. 8 commands. 
With reduced numbers, No. 1 ordinarily as- 
sumes the duties of No. 8, and No. 4 of No. 2. 
No. 1 being absent, No. 4 assumes his duties 
and vice versa. 
58. The instructor will make such changes 
in the personnel of the sets of four as he deems 
advisable. The selection of No. 1 should be 
determined by the intelligence and experience 
of the men ; No. 4 should be as near in size as 
possible to No. 1, and No. 2 to No. 3. The fours 
are then counted again if necessary. 
54. A litter is said to be strapped when folded, 
the canvas doubled smoothly on top, the slings 
placed parallel to each other thereon, and all 
secured by the cross straps. It is said to be 
closed when unstrapped, the two loops of the 
front sling upon the left handle, and of the rear 
sling upon the right, the bight of each sling 
embracing the opposite handle. 
55. The foot of a grounded or open (unloaded) 
litter is the end farthest from the approaching 
squad, unless otherwise designated. The foot of 
a loaded litter is always the end corresponding 
to the feet of the patient. 
Having assigned tlie medical officers and the 
noncommissioned officers to appropriate duties, 
the instructor commands: 
50. i. r rocure litter, 2. llic/lit(ov left) face, 3. 
Makch. 
At the first command the Nos. 3 step one 
MANUAL OP THE LITTER. 
Par. 54. 
The 
Strapped 
Litter. 29 
pace to the front, at the second command they face as re- 
quired, and at the third proceed in column of tiles, by 
the nearest route, to the (strapped or closed)-litters. 
They each take one, placing it on the right shoulder at 
a slope of at least 45 degrees, canvas down, and promptly 
return in the same order, each man resuming his place 
by passing through his interval one pace to the rear, 
facing about and stepping into line. 
If the litters are in front of the detach- 
ment, the Nos. 3 may be marched directly 
forward, converging towards them, and 
then back, diverging to their intervals. 
This march should, if practicable, be 
supervised by a noncommissioned officer. 
It can be executed in double time. 
With but one squad the commands are 
simply procure (or return) litter, March; 
when the bearer proceeds and returns by 
the shortest practicable route. 
57. In all motions from the shoulder, or 
to the shoulder, the litter should invariably 
be brought to the vertical position against 
the shoulder, one pole in front of the other, 
canvas to the left, both hands grasping the 
front pole, the left above the right, and 
the left fore-arm horizontal. 
This position should likewise be taken in 
any formation or movement in which there 
maybe dangerof the lowerorupper handles 
of the litter striking neighboring men,after 
which the shoulder is resumed without com- 
58. Being at the shoulder: 
1. Order, 2. Litter. 
At order, the litter is brought to the ver- 
tical position; at litter, the lower handles 
Par. 57. TiieVer- 
ticai, Position. 30 
Par. 58. Order Litter. 
Par. 50. Shoulder Litter. 31 
are brought to the ground, outside the right foot,canvas to 
the left, the right arm naturally extended and the hand 
grasping the front pole; the left hand is dropped to the side. 
59. Being at the order: 
1. Shoulder, 2. Litter. 
At shoulder, the litter is raised to the vertical position; 
at litter, it is laid, canvas down, upon the shoulder (as in 
Par. 56), where it is supported by the right arm, the right 
hand grasping the left pole; the left hand is dropped to 
the side. 
60. A stack consists of three litters, to which more 
may be added. 
Being in line at the shoulder, the instructor designates 
the center squad and commands: 
1. Stack, 2. Litter. 
At stack, each No. 3 brings his litter to the vertical posi- 
tion and steps one pace to the front: No. 3 of the desig- 
nated squad stands fast; the other Nos. 3 facing toward 
the center close in upon him and face to the front. 
At Utter, Nos. 3 of the squads on right and left of the 
designated squad advance two paces, and facing each 
other, lock the upper handles of their litters together; 
No. 3 of the designated squad locks the upper handles 
of his litter between those of the other two squads, when 
all lower stack to the ground, spreading the foot suffi- 
ciently to make it stand securely. As soon as the stack 
is formed the other litters are laid on, and all take their 
posts. 
61. Being at the stack: 
1. Take, 2. Litter. 
At take, the Nos. 3 close in on the center as in pre- 
vious paragraph. 
At litter, they advance to the stack, grasp their 32 
respective litters, break the stack, and resume theix 
places in line. 
62. Being in line, litters at the shoulder, or order: 
At carry, each No. 3 brings his litter to the vertical 
position; at litter, he drops the upper handles forwarf 
and downward until the litter is in a horizontal positio 
canvas to the left; meanwhile the other numbers step 
directly to the front, No. 2 until he is opposite the front 
handles, which he seizes with his left hand, and Nos. 1 
and 4 until they are opposite the center of the litter. 
Nos. 2 and 3 take hold by passing the left and right hands 
respectively outside the handles and grasping the lower 
one, the litter resting against the hip. The guides step 
forward and place themselves in line with the front 
bearers. 
1. Carry, 2. Litter. 
63. Being at the carry:* 
1. Ground, 2. Litter. 
At ground, the Nos. 2 and 3 face inward; at Utter, they 
stoop and lower litter to the ground, lengthwise between 
the tiles, canvas up, then standing erect they face to the 
front. 
64. Being at the ground: 
1. Carry, 2. Litter. 
At carry, Nos. 2 and 3 face inward; at litter, they stoop, 
*A line of litters at the carry, or lift, may be aligned as follows: At the 
command right (or left) dress, all cast their eyes to the right; No. 1 extends 
his left arm and hand laterally, his fingers touching the fingers of No. 4, 
who in like manner extends his right arm and hand, and at the same time 
places his left hand above his hip. All then dress as directed, Nos. 2 and 
3 bringing the center of the litter under the hands of Nos. 1 and 4. At 
front, all cast their eyes to the front, and drop the hands. Par. G2. Carry Litter. 
18895-3 34 
grasp handles with both hands and raise the litter from 
the ground to the carry. 
65. Being at the carry: 
1. Shoulder, 2. Litter. 
At shoulder, No. 3 reaches forward with his left hand 
and grasps the litter near its center; at Utter, he brings 
it to the vertical position and then to the shoulder; mean- 
while, the other numbers step backward and align them- 
selves upon him in regular order. 
60. Being at the carry, litter strapped: 
• 
At open, all face litter; at litter, No. 4 supports litter at 
center, canvas up, by grasping a pole in each hand, Nos. 
2 and 3 unfasten the straps and slip the free loop of each 
sling upon the ring handle, the bight embracing the op- 
posite handle; they then grasp the right handles with 
their right hands, and Nos. 1 and 4 resume their posts. 
This leaves the litter suspended longitudinally, canvas 
to the left. They then extend the braces, and supporting 
the litter horizontally by the handles, canvas up, lower 
it to the ground, and resume the attention standing be- 
tween the handles, facing the litter. With only two 
bearers, the strapped litter is first grounded. 
A strapped litter may be unstrapped by arresting the 
execution of open litter, as above described, by the com- 
mands Carry Litter given when the slings have been 
looped around the handles. 
If the litter be merely closed at open, Nos. 2 and 3 face 
the litter and grasp the upper handles with the right 
hands. At litter, they drop the left pole, extend the 
braces, lower the litter, and take position as before. 
67. To secure slings, the litter being lowered: 
1. Open, 2. Litter. 35 
Pars. 66 and 71. At Litter Posts with Open Litter. 36 
Nos. 2 and 3 each slips off the bight of his sling, drops 
the doubled end over the free handle and brings it up 
around it between the inner edges of the sides of the 
sling, and slips the bight over the end of the handle, thus 
making the sling taut. The slings will be secured when 
it is desired to prevent them 
from dragging on the ground, 
or from being in the way when 
passing obstacles, loading am- 
bulance, etc. 
OK. Being at the open: 
1. Secure, 2. Slings. 
1. Close, 2. Litter. 
At close, Nos. 2 and 3 step 
respectively outside the right 
front and left rear handles and 
face inward; at litter,they stoop 
and with their right hands raise 
the litter by the right handles; 
they then fold the braces, and bringing the lower pole 
against the upper, canvas to the left, support the litter at 
the carry. 
(>9. The litter being closed: 
Par. 67. Si.ino Secured. 
At strap, all face the litter; at litter, No. 4 supports the 
litter at the center, bringing the canvas up; Nos. 2 and 3, 
assisted by No. 1, fold canvas by doubling it smoothly on 
top of poles, release free loops of slings, and place slings 
lengthwise of the litter on the canvas, buckles out, and 
neatly secure all by the cross-strap at each end, passed 
around poles and through loops of slings, when all take 
their posts at the carry. With only two bearers the closed 
litter is first grounded. 
In the field, the litter should habitually be carried 
strapped or closed, and only opened on reaching the patient. 
1. Strap, 2. Litter. Par. 69. Strap Litter. 38 
The litter may in like manner be dosed and then 
strapped, being at the open, at the command strap litter, 
when the motions begin with those described under dose 
litter. [Par. 68.] . 
70. To bring the squad into line, the litter being at 
the ground or the open: 
1. Form, 2. Rank 
AX form, No. 2, if facing litter, faces about; at rank, 
he advances one pace, and all align themselves upon him 
in regular order. 
This movement permits the marching of the squad, 
without litter, to any desired point. 
71. Posts at the litter may at any time be recovered 
by the commands : 
1. At litter, 2. Posts. 
If at the ground, the numbers take posts, No. 2 on the 
right of the front handles, No. 3 on the left of the rear 
handles and close to them, and Nos. 1 and 4, respectively, 
on the right and left of the litter at its mid-length and 
one pace from it, all facing to the front. 
If at the open, Nos. 2 and 3 take posts between the 
front and rear handles, respectively, facing the litter, and 
Nos. 1 and 4 as with litter at the ground. 
This is the invariable position taken by each number 
at the above commands, whatever may have been his pre- 
vious position or duty. 
72. Being at litter posts, to change posts : 
1. Change posts, 2. March. 
No. 1 takes No. 3’s post, and No. 4 No. 2’s, while Nos. 
3 and 2 step to the left and right of the litter, respectively, 39 
into the vacated positions, all thus describing part of a 
circle in the same direction around the litter. 
73. Being in line : 
No. 2 stands fast; Nos. 1 and 3 back step and oblique 
to the left of No. 4, who closes against No. 2; the order 
now being 2,4, 1, 3. Posts are resumed by the same com- 
mands, the movements being reversed. 
74. Being at the carry in marching : 
1. Change posts, 2. March. 
1. Change hearers, 2. March.' 
Nos. 1 and 4 step to the right rear and left front of the 
litter, respectively, and grasp the handles relinquished 
by Nos. 3 and 2, who step to left and right center, respect- 
ively. 
75. The squad leader continues to exercise command 
from whatever position he may occupy. 
76. To resume the original positions the movement 
is reversed by the commands : 
1. At litter, 2. Posts. 
77. Being at the open 
1. Prepare to lift, 2. Lift. 
At the first command Nos. 2 and 3 stoop and seize each 
the free loop and bight of sling, No. 2 with right and left 
hands, No. 3 with left and right hands, respectively, slip 
them off the handles, retaining hold, and (No. 2 facing 
right about) each places the sling over the shoulders, 
slips the loop upon the free handle and grasps both 
handles. At the second command they rise slowly erect, 
when No. 4 advances to side of No. 2, and No. 1 steps 40 
obliquely backward to side of No. 3, adjust slings, length- 
ening or shortening, if necessary, to level litter, and ob- 
serve that everything is right, when they resume their 
posts. 
78. At the commands : 
the bearers step off, No. 2 with the left, No. 3 with the 
right foot, taking short sliding steps of about 20 inches, 
to avoid jolting and to secure a uniform motion to the 
litter. Nos. 1 and 4 step off with the left foot. 
79. Being at the lift: 
*1. Forward, 2. March, 
1. Lower, 2. Litter. 
At litter, Nos. 2 and 8 slowly lower the litter to the 
ground. They then seize, each, the free loop and bight 
of sling, No. 2 with the right and left hands, No. 3 with 
left and right hands, respectively, slip off loops and re- 
move slings from shoulders, when (No. 2 facing left about) 
each drops the bight over the free handle and places 
the loop upon the ring handle, avoiding any twist of the 
sling. 
80. When the litter is to be moved but a few paces, 
it may be lifted and marched without slings by prefixing 
without tilings to the commands : prepare to lift, lift. 
81. The open litter should be lifted and lowered slowly 
and without jerk, both ends simultaneously, the rear 
bearer moving in accord with the front bearer, so as to 
maintain the canvas horizontal; in fact, the open litter 
should be handled for purposes of drill as if it were a 
*Tlie so-called single step, which is by far the easiest for the patient, but 
which is acquired with difficulty, may also be practiced ; No. 2 steps off with 
the left foot, and No. 3 follows with his right an instant later, and before 
No. 2 lias planted his right; No. 2’s right footuext touches the ground, and 
is immediately followed by No. 3’s left. 41 
loaded litter, and as soon as the men are familiar with its 
manual, the drill should, whenever practicable, be with 
loaded litter. 
82. Being in line at the shoulder : 
1. Return litter, 2. Right (or left) face, 3. March. 
At the first command, the Nos. 8 bring the litter to 
the vertical position and step one pace to the front; at 
the second they face as required and bring the litter to 
the shoulder, and at the third proceed in column of files, 
by the nearest route, to the place designated for the lit- 
ters, where they leave them, and, returning in the same 
order, resume their positions by passing through their 
intervals one pace to the rear and facing about into line. 
If the place designated is in front of the detachment (or 
if there be but one squad,) the Nos. 3 proceed as described 
in Par. 56. When practicable this movement should be 
supervised by a noncommissioned officer. It can be ex- 
ecuted in double time. 
MARCHINGS WITH LITTER. 
83. The intervals between litters are ordinarily suffi- 
cient for the execution of all movements, in line or col- 
umn, but if it becomes necessary to extend them, the 
litters, if in line, are first wheeled into column [Par. 88], 
when the commands are given: 
The first squad advances forward in quick time and 
the other squads take the short step and successively 
gain the increased distance; if in march the first squad 
maintains the quick time, while the other squads take 
the short step as above. 
1. To two (or more) paces, extend, 2. March. 42 
84. The column is closed by the commands: 
1. Litters, 2. Close, 3. March ; 
when the first squad stands fast (if at a halt), or takes the 
short step (if in a march), and the other squads succes- 
sively close up. 
85. The line, or column of litters, is marched by the 
commands already given [Par. 24 and following], sub- 
stituting “ litters ” for “fours.” 
The following movements require special notice or 
description: 
BEING IN LINE, TO TURN AND HALT. 
86. 1. Detachment, 2. Right (or left), 3. March, 4. 
Front. 
The first litter halts, and taking the short step, wheels 
to the right on its own ground; the other litters half 
wheel to the right and place themselves successively 
upon the alignment established by the right litter [Par. 
21]. 
BEING IN LINE, TO TURN AND ABVANCE. 
87. 1. Detachment, 2. Right (or left) turn, 3. March. 
The first litter takes the short step and wheels to the 
right on a movable pivot, followed by the others as in 
Par. 22. 
BEING IN LINE OF LITTERS, TO MARCH BY THE FLANK IN 
COLUMN OF LITTERS. 
88. 1. Litters, 2. Right (or left), 3. March. 43 
At the command march, No. 2 steps off to the right 
and No. 3 to the left, 
both describing a quar- 
ter of a circle, so as to 
make the litter revolve 
horizontally on its 
center until both face 
to the right, when they 
take the full step in 
the new direction; Nos. 
1 and 4 maintain their 
relative positions op- 
posite the center of the 
litter. The right guide 
places himself one 
pace in front of the 
first litter, and the left 
guide one pace in rear of the last l.tter. 
Par. 88. Litters Right. 
BEING IN LINE, TO MARCH IN COLUMN OF LITTERS TO THE 
front. 
89. 1. Right (or left) forward, 2. Litters right (or left), 
3. March. 
At the command march, the right litter moves straight 
to the front; the other litters wheel to the right and then 
to the left in column. [Par. 29.] 
To form line from column, — see Par. 33 and follow- 
ing. 
BEING IN LINE OR COLUMN, TO MARCH TO THE REAR. 
00. 1. Litters about, 2. March. 
Nos. 2 and 3 step off as in Par. 88, but continue the 
movement until both face to the rear, the other numbers 44 
maintaining their relative positions opposite the center 
of the litter. 
The about with the litter is always to the right. 
91. This movement, which may be occasionally neces- 
sary, can only be executed with strapped or closed litters. 
The commands are: 
to march to the rear without wheeling. 
1. To the rear, 2. March ; 
when the squad faces about, No. 2 left, the others right, 
the two bearers meanwhile transferring the handles from 
one hand to the other. On halting, the squad faces about 
without command. 
MOVEMENTS BY SECTIONS. 
92. A section consists of two litter squads in line. 
93. To form column of sections from line: 
when each section turns, as in Par. 86; or, 
94-. 1. Sections, 2. Right (or left) turn, 3. March, 4. 
Forward, 5. March, 6. Guide right (or left)-, 
when each section turns, as in Par. 87. 
95. The advantage of this formation is that it per- 
mits the shortening of the column, at the carry, without 
increasing its front, by the commands: 
1. Sections right (or left), 2. March, 3. Front; 
when the sections close up to one pace, and the litters 
oblique towards each other until close against the inner 
free bearers (1 and 4), the outer free bearers, meanwhile, 
closing in on their respective sides. In this manner the 
front is reduced to that of a column of litters. 
1. Sections, 2. Glose, 3. March; 45 
96. The normal formation is resumed by the com- 
mand: 
1. Sections, 2. Extend, 3. March. 
Line is re-formed by the same commands used to form 
column. 
97. To form single column from column of sections: 
1. Right (or left) by litter, 2. March; 
when the second litter of each section takes the short 
step and obliques to the right behind the first. 
98. To form column of sections from single column: 
1. Form sections, 2. Left (or right) oblique, March; 
when the first squad of each section takes the short step, 
until the second squad, obliquing to the left, is in line 
with it. 
ROUTE STEP. 
99. The column of strapped litters at the carry (Par. 
62) is the habitual column of route. The rate is three to 
three and a half miles per hour. 
Marching in quick time: 
1. Route step, 2. March 
The men are not required to preserve silence nor keep 
the step. The litter squads preserve their distance. 
If from a halt: 
1. Forward, 2. Route step, 3. March. 
To resume the cadence step: 
1. Detachment, 2. Attention. 46 
At the command attention, the cadence step in quick 
time is resumed. 
Upon halting while marching in route step, the men 
come to the rest at the ground. [Par. 63.] 
100. To march at ease: 1. At ease, 2. March. 
The detachment marches as in the route step, except 
that silence is preserved. 
Marching at route step or at ease, at a halt, and at the 
rest, officers carry the sword in the scabbard. 
THE LOADED LITTER. 
101. For drill in loading litter, the “ patients ” are di- 
rected to lie down, at suitable intervals, near the line of 
litters, first with head and later with feet, towards it, and 
lastly in any position. Each squad may be separately 
exercised under its leader or an instructor, or several 
squads simultaneously. 
102. The litter being at the carry, at the commands: 
the squad advances toward its assigned patient, and as it 
approaches him the free bearers start ahead in double 
time and take posts by his side, No. 1 on the right and 
No. 4 on the left. The litter is halted and opened (by 
No. 3’s command) as nearly as possible one pace from the 
patient’s head and in a line with his body; after sufficient 
practice in this position, the litter is lowered at the feet, 
or in any other convenient position. The squad leader 
then commands: 
1. Take post to load, 2. March; 
103. 1. At patient, 2. Right (or left), 3. Posts. 
If the command is right, Nos. 2,1, and 3 take positions, 
No. 2 at the right ankle, No. 1 at the right hip, and No. 
3 at the right shoulder, while No. 4 takes position by the 
left hip opposite No. 1, all facing the patient. Par. 103. Posts at Patient. 48 
If the command is left, Nos. 2, 4, and 3 take position, 
No. 2 at the left ankle, No. 4 at the left hip, and No. 3 at 
the left shoulder, while No. 1 takes position at the right 
hip opposite No. 4, all facing the patient. 
It will be seen from the above that, whether the com- 
mand is right or left, the positions of Nos. 1 and 4 are in- 
variable, No. 1 at the right hip, No. 4 at the left hip, and 
that the positions of Nos. 2 and 3 are always at the ankle 
and shoulder, respectively, on the right or left of the 
patient, as the command may be; if right, they are on 
each side of No. 1; if left, they are on each side of No. 4. 
These positions are taken by the bearers, whatever 
may have been their previous positions or duties. 
104. In the field, Nos. 1 and 4 having reached the 
patient and taken position on their respective sides, re- 
move his arms and accouterments and examine him to 
determine the site and nature of the injury; they admin- 
ister restoratives, if required, and apply such dressings 
or splints as are needful or available. As soon as Nos. 2 
and 3 reach the patient, they help, as far as may be nec- 
essary, in rendering this first aid. 
105. The drill should be made as nearly as possible 
like service in actual warfare. For this purpose a diag- 
nosis tag having been attached to the clothing of the 
“ wounded,” indicating the site and character of the in- 
jury to be dressed before loading, they are directed to 
take positions at variable distances, in or out of sight, 
such as they would occupy on the battlefield. At the 
commands: 
106. 1. Search for wounded, 2. March; 
each leader assumes charge of his squad and proceeds 
independently. Nos. 1 and 4 at once start ahead to 
search, but without losing sight of the litter,- which fol- 
lows in quick time, taking the double time as soon as a 49 
patient is discovered. The litter having been opened 
and the injury dressed, No. 1 commands: 
107. 1. At patient, 2. Right (or left), 3. Posts 
As a rule, the command should be right or left, accord- 
ing as the right or left side of the patient is injured, so 
that by having the three bearers on that side a better 
support may be given to the wounded parts. 
108. 1. Prepare to lift, 2. Lift. 
At the first command all the bearers kneel on the knee 
nearest the patient’s feet (right knee if on the right of 
the patient, and on the left knee if on his left); No. 2 
passes both fore-arms under the patient’s legs, care- 
fully supporting the fracture, if there be one; Nos. 1 and 
4 pass their arms under the small of his back and thighs, 
not locking hands; No. 8 passes one hand under his neck 
to the further arm pit, with the other supporting the 
nearer shoulder. 
At the second command all lift together slowly and 
carefully and place the patient upon the knees of the 
three bearers. As soon as he is firmly supported there, 
the bearer on the free side (No. 1 or 4) relinquishes his 
hold, passes quickly and by the shortest line to the litter, 
which he takes up by the middle, one pole in each hand, 
and returning rapidly places it under the patient and 
against the bearers’ ankles. 
The free bearer, No. 1 or 4, stoops and assists the other 
numbers in gently and carefully lowering the patient 
upon the litter. The bearers then rise and at once re- 
sume their positions at litter posts. [Par. 71.] 
110. In the field, when the ground on which the 
109. 1. Lower, 2. Patient. Par. 108. The Patient Lifted. 51 
patient lies is such that the litter can not be placed di- 
rectly under him, it should be placed as near Mm as pos- 
sible, and preferably in a direction parallel b ir in line 
with him, when it will be necessary to carry fc 3 patient 
to the litter, instead of the litter to the patier. In such 
case, the bearers having brought the patient 'on their 
knees, as described in Par. 108, at the command . ise, take 
firm hold of him and rise, and at march, carry him head 
or feet first, as directed. From this position he is first 
lowered to the knees of the bearers, and thence placed 
upon the litter or ground. 
111. At the command: 1. Cease, 2. Drilling, the squads 
re-form in line and lower litters, when the patients, if still 
upon the litters, are then directed to rise and resume 
their posts, after which the litters are strapped. 
POSITION OP PATIENT ON THE LITTER. 
112. The position of a patient on the litter depends 
on the character of his injury. An overcoat, blanket, 
knapsack, or other suitable and convenient article, should 
be used as a pillow to give support and a slightly raised 
position to the head. If the patient is faint, the head 
should be kept low. Difficulty of breathing in wounds 
of the chest is relieved by a sufficient padding under- 
neath. In wounds of the abdomen the best position is 
on the injured side, or on the back if the front of the ab- 
domen is wounded, the legs in either case being drawn 
up, and a pillow or other available object placed under 
the knees to keep them bent. 
In an injury of the upper extremity, calling for lit- 
ter transportation, the best position is on the back, with 
the injured arm laid over the body or suitably placed by 
its side, or on the uninjured side, with the wounded arm 
laid over the body. In injuries of the lower extremity 
the patient should be on his back, or inclining toward the 52 
wounded side; in cases of fracture of either lower ex- 
tremity, if a splint can not be applied, it is always well 
to bind both limbs together. 
GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 
113. In moving the patient either with or without lit- 
ter, every movement should be made deliberately and as 
gently as possible, having special care not to jar the 
injured part. The command steady, will be used to pre- 
vent undue haste or other irregular movements. 
114. The loaded litter should never he lifted or lowered 
without orders. 
115. The rear bearer should watch the movements of 
the front bearer and time his own by them, so as to in- 
sure ease and steadiness of action. 
110. The number of steps per minute will depend on 
the weight carried and other conditions affecting each 
individual case. 
117. The handles of the litter should beheld in the 
hands at arm’s length and supported by the slings. Only 
under the most exceptional conditions should the handles 
be supported on the shoulders. 
118. The bearers should keep the litter level notwith- 
standing any unevenness of the ground. 
119. In making ascents or descents, the rear or front 
handles should be raised to bring the litter to the proper 
level, Nos. 1 and 4 supporting the poles on their respect- 
ive sides. With only three bearers, the free bearer takes 
hold of the handle on his side. 
120. As a rule the patient should be carried on the 
litter feet foremost, but in going up hill his head should 
be in front; in case of fracture of the lower extremities, 
he is carried up hill feet foremost, and down hill head 
foremost; to prevent the weight of the body from press- 
ing down on the injured part. 53 
Par. 121. Passing an Obstacle. 54 
TO PASS OBSTACLES. 
121. A breach should be made in a fence or wall for 
the passage of the litter, if there be no gate or other open- 
ing, but should it be necessary to surmount the obstacle 
the commands are given: 
1. Obstacle, 2. March. 
At obstacle, Nos. 1 and 4 close in to side of litter, grasp 
poles with both hands and support it; at march, No. 2 
slips sling from shoulders (dropping it upon the canvas) 
and climbing over, receives litter as it advances (facing 
to the front); Nos. 1 and 4 then pass the obstacle and re- 
sume their places at the poles when the litter i§ carried 
over; No. 3, slipping off his sling, now also climbs over 
and takes his place between the handles; the slings hav- 
ing been adjusted without halting, Nos. 1. and 4 resume 
their posts. 
122. The passage of a narrow cut or ditch is effected 
in a similar manner; Nos. 1 and 4 bestride or descend into 
the cut, support and advance the litter until No. 2 has 
crossed and resumed his hold, when the litter is carried 
over; No. 3 then crosses and all resume their places. 
123. If the cut or ditch be wide the litter is halted and 
lowered with the front handles (or feet) near the edge, 
when, the slings being secured, if necessary, the move- 
ment proceeds as in Par. 127. 
124. In crossing a running stream, or broken or oth- 
erwise difficult ground, or going up or down a hill, Nos. 
1 and 4 give support on their respective sides of the litter 
at the command obstacle. [Par 121.] 
125. When it is necessary or advisable that the four 
bearers should carry the litter while marching, the com- 
mands are: 
1. By four, 2. Carry, 3. Litter. Par. 125. By Four, Carry Litter. 56 
At litter, No. 1 steps backward to right rear, No. 4 
forward to left front, and each grasps the handle near- 
est him relinquished by Nos. 2 and 3 respectively, who 
without changing their places grasp the other handles. 
120. The squad being in position by four, carry,litter, 
to surmount an obstacle over five feet high, the com- 
mands are given: 
1. Raise, 2. Litter 
when the litter is carefully raised to the level of the 
obstacle and passed half-way over, where it is rested; 
Nos. 2 and 4 cross the obstacle and resume hold of 
their handles on the other side; the litter is then ad- 
vanced until only the rear handles rest upon the obstacle, 
when Nos. 1 and 3 get over and resume hold of their 
handles; the litter is then lowered. In this movement the 
slings when freed should be thrown over the patient’s 
head and feet respectively. 
127. If desirable the litter may be lowered before 
passing a high or low obstacle when at the commands : 
1. By four, 2. Prepare to lift, 3. Lift. 
Nos. 2 and 3 may take posts outside (instead of inside) 
the right front and left rear handles respectively, Nos. 
4 and 1 being outside the opposite handles ; the litter is 
then lifted and raised, or lowered. 
128. A loaded litter is usually carried upstairs head 
front, and downstairs feet front, as follows : The litter is 
marched to the foot of the stairs in the usual manner, 
wheeled about and halted,when the commands are given: 
TO CARRY A LOADED LITTER UPSTAIRS. 
1. Prepare for stairs, 2. March. 57 
Par. 128. Carrying a Loaded Litter Up Stairs. 58 
At the first command Nos. 1 and 4 face inward, advance 
to center of litter and support it by each grasping a pole 
with both hands: Nos. 2 and 3 slip free loops of sling 
off handles, lace about, readjust slings, and grasp han- 
dles; No. 4 now steps to the handle nearest him at the 
foot of the litter, which he grasps firmly with both 
hands, while No. 2 grasps the opposite handle. At the 
second command the litter is carried up by Nos. 3, 2, 4, 
the rear bearers (Nos. 2 and 4) keeping it as level as pos- 
sible by raising their end, and, if necessary, resting the 
handles on shoulders. They must carefully watch the 
patient, to prevent accident. In this movement No. 1 
falls out and accompanies litter, to render any assistance 
required. With three bearers only, the litter must be 
lowered before the first command is given. 
If the litter is to be carried any considerable distance, 
it must be lowered as soon as possible after the stairs 
are mounted, and the usual positions resumed. 
TO CARRY A LOADED LITTER DOWN STAIRS. 
129. As the litter approaches the stairs, the com- 
mand, Prepare for stairs is given, when No. 4 advances 
to left front handle, which lie grasps firmly with both 
hands, while No. 2 grasps the opposite handle. The 
front bearers, as the descent proceeds, bring handles to 
shoulders, if necessary, to keep the litter as level as pos- 
sible ; the rear bearer carefully observes patient to see 
that no accident happens to him. When the level is 
reached the usual positions are resumed. 
When, for any reason, it is necessary to carry a patient 
feet first upstairs or head first downstairs, the bearers are 
simply reversed, in the former case No. 2 becoming front 
bearer, and in the latter No. 3. Par. 129. Carrying a Loaded Litter Down Stairs. 60 
TO LOAD WITH DEDUCED NUMBERS. 
130. In loading with reduced numbers, No. 2 or 3 
(absent) is ordinarily replaced by No. 4 or 1, respectively, 
while Nos. 1 and 4 x-eplace each other. [Par. 52.] 
With three bearers the litter is placed as usual, and at 
the prescribed commands the bearers take their proper 
positions. The patient having been lifted by the three 
bearers, is supported on the knees of the two on one side, 
while the third (No. 1 or 4) places the litter in position 
under him. 
131. Another method for three bearers, when it is nec- 
essary to carry the patient to the litter, is as follows : 
Two bearers take their positions on the same side oppo- 
site the knee and hip, while the third stands by the oppo- 
site hip. At the usual commands the two bearers at the 
hips stoop, and raising the patient to a sitting position, 
place each one hand and arm around the back and inter- 
lock the lingers of the other hand, palms up, under the 
upper part of the thighs. The patient, if able, clasps his 
arms around their necks. The third bearer (No. 2 or 4) 
supports the lower extremities with both arms passed 
under them, one above, the other below the knee. 
132. If only two bearers are available (e. g. Nos. 2 
and 3), the patient is necessarily always carried to the 
litter. No. 2 proceeds by the right and No. 3 by the left, 
and take position on opposite sides of the patient near 
his hips. They lift the patient as directed (Par. 150), the 
legs remaining unsupported, and carry him feet fore- 
most over the near end of the litter. 
Iii case of fractured lower extremity, the two bearers 
kneel on the injured side, raise the patient upon their 
knees, and take firm hold of him, No. 2 supporting 
both lower extremities, while No. 3 supports the body, Par. 131. Carrying by Three Bearers. 62 
the patient clasping his arms around his neck, when 
they rise. 
TO UNLOAD THE LITTEE 
133. To unload with four or three bearers, posts are 
taken at patient as in loading. At the commands: 
1. Prepare to lift, 2. Lift [Par. 108], 
they raise him upon the knees, the free bearer removes 
the litter, and at lower patient, they lower him carefully 
to the ground. 
134. With two bearers, they form a two-handed seat 
[Par. 150], and lift the patient off the litter. In the 
case of fracture, they stand on the same side, and kneel- 
ing [Par. 132], lift him upon their knees, then rise and 
take two steps backward to clear the litter, whert they 
lower him to their knees, and then to the ground. 
TO TRANSFER PATIENT FROM LITTER TO BED OR 
ANOTHER LITTER. 
135. From Utter to bed: With four or three bearers 
the litter is placed at the foot of the bed, as nearly as 
possible in line with it; the bearers taking their posi- 
tions (all on one side if only three), lift the patient upon 
their knees, then, at the command rise, taking firm hold 
of him, they rise, and, moving cautiously by side steps 
to the bedside, lower him upon the bed. 
With two bearers, the patient is likewise first lifted 
upon their knees, then carried by side steps to the bed. 
136. From litter to litter: The patient is lifted upon 
the knees of the bearers, the litter removed and replaced 
by the other litter. 63 
IMPROVISATION OF LITTERS. 
137. Many things can be used for this purpose: 
Camp cots, window shutters, doors, benches, boards, 
ladders, etc., properly padded. 
Litters may be made with sacks or bags of any 
description, if large and strong enough, by ripping the 
bottoms and passing two poles through them and tying 
cross pieces to the poles to keep them apart; two, or even 
three, sacks placed end to end on the same poles may be 
necessary to make a safe and comfortable litter. 
Bedticks are used in the same way by slipping the 
poles through holes made by snipping off the four cor- 
ners. 
Pieces of matting, rug, or carpet, trimmed into shape, 
may be fastened to poles by tacks or twine. 
Straw mats, leafy twigs, weeds, hay, straw, etc., cov- 
ered or not with a blanket, will make a good bottom 
over a framework of poles and cross sticks. 
Better still is a litter with bottom of ropes or rawhide 
strips whose turns cross each other at close intervals. 
138. But the usual military improvisation is by 
means of rifles and blankets. 
Each squad should be supplied with two rifles and 
bayonets, carried by Nos. 3 and 4 (at the carry), who 
assure themselves that the rifles are unloaded, and a reg- 
ulation blanket rolled up, and carried by No. 2, over 
right shoulder, the ends being secured by strap and 
hanging at left side. 
The detachment being in line, the commands are 
given: 
1. Squads, 2. Right by twos, 3. March, 4. Halt 
The command halt is given when the left two of each 
squad has obtained its position in rear of the right two. 64 
1. Squads to 3 paces interval, 2. Bight (or left) step, 
3. March, 4. Halt. 
The left (or right) squad standing fast, the command 
halt is given as the squads gain the prescribed interval. 
Nos. 1 and 2 face about; No. 2 unbuckles strap, slips 
it under his belt, seizes blanket roll with right hand at 
right shoulder, brings it to the front and passes one end 
to No. 1, when Nos. 3 and 4 seize free edge of blanket 
(with free hands) as near the corners as possible ; Nos. 1 
and 2 step backward till the blanket is unrolled, when 
all stoop and place blanket smoothly on the ground. Nos. 
3 and 4 (after pulling out ramrods 12 inches, in the ab- 
sence of bayonets) lay rifles under edges of blanket, muz- 
zles towards 1 and 2, somewhat converging, hammers in, 
when all bearers roll blanket tightly about rifles, an 
equal number of turns on each piece, until the space 
between them measures 20 inches, hammers down, and 
stand erect. 
131). The commands are then given : 
1. Prepare, 2. Blanket Litter. 
1. By four, 2..Prepare, to lift, 3. Lift. 
At the first command the bearers take positions on the 
outside of each rifle, facing each other, Nos. 1 and 3 op- 
posite the butts, Nos. 2 and 4 opposite the muzzles. At 
the second command they all stoop and grasp the rifles 
firmly with both hands ; at lift, they rise slowly with the 
litter. 
The litter may now be carried in any direction, and all 
movements of loading, unloading, etc., are executed as 
laid down for the hand litter. When no longer required, the commands are given: 
140. 1. Take apart, 2. Blanket Litter. 
The bearers, having resumed their original positions, 
face the litter, stoop and unroll blanket on their respective 
sides; Nos. 3 and 4 take up the rifles, and having returned 
ramrods (if used), stand at the order; Nos. 2 andl fold the 
blanket lengthwise, then roll it tightly, when No. 2 brings 
the ends of the roll together and secures them with the 
strap ; he then passes the roll over his head, slips left 
arm through it, and brings the strap to the left side; all 
stand facing to the front in columns of two. 
1. Form fours, 2. Left oblique, 3. March, 
when line is re-formed. 
141. Should it be desirable, by reason of the patient’s 
condition, or because of reduced numbers of the squad, 
the following method may be used: , 
One-half of the blanket is rolled lengthwise into a cyl- 
inder, which is placed along the back of the patient, who 
has been turned carefully on his side. The patient is 
then turned over upon the blanket and the cylinder un- 
rolled on the other side. The rifles are then laid down 
and rolled tightly in the blanket-, each a like number of 
turns, until the side of the body of the patient is reached, 
when they are turned hammers downward. 
142. A litter may also be prepared with two rifles and 
two or three blouses, by turning the blouses lining out, 
and buttoning them up, sleeves in, when the rifles are 
passed through the sleeves, the backs of the blouses 
forming the bed. 
Two bearers may carry the wounded man in these im- 
provisations, but it is better, whenever possible, that four 
men should do so, two on each side. Par. 144. Lifting the Patient Erect. 67 
METHODS OF REMOVING WOUNDED WITH- 
OUT LITTERS. 
FOR ONE BEARER. 
146. While it is not desirable that one bearer should, 
ordinarily, be required or permitted to lift a patient 
unassisted, emergencies may arise when a knowledge of 
proper methods of lifting and carrying by one bearer is 
of the utmost value. 
A single bearer may carry a patient in his arms, on his 
back, or across his shoulder. 
To bring the patient into any of these positions, the 
first steps are as follows: 
144. To lift the patient erect, 
The bearer, turning patient on his face, steps astride 
body, facing towards the head, and with- hands in his arm- 
pits lifts him to his knees, then clasping hands over the 
abdomen, lifts him to his feet; he then with the left hand 
seizes the patient by the left wrist and drawing the left 
arm about his (the bearer’s) neck holds it against his left 
chest, the patient’s left side resting against his body, and 
supports him with his right arm about the waist. 
145. From this position the bearer proceeds as follows: 
The bearer, with his right arm behind patient’s back, 
passes his left under thighs and lifts him into position. 
To lift the patient in arms. 
146. The bearer shifts himself to the front of patient, 
back to him, stoops, and grasping ins thighs, brings him 
well up on his back. 
As the patient must help himself by placing his arms 
around the bearer’s neck, this method is impracticable 
with an unconscious man. 
To place, patient astride of back. 68 
To place patient across back. 
147. The bearer with his left hand seizes the right 
wrist of the patient and draws the arm over his head and 
down upon his left shoulder, then shifting himself in 
front, stoops and clasps the right thigh with his right 
arm passed between 
the legs, his right 
hand seizing the pa- 
tient’s right wrist; 
lastly, he, with his left 
hand, grasps the pa- 
tient’s left and stead- 
ies it against his side, 
when he rises. 
To place patient across 
shoulder. 
148. The bearer 
clasps his hands about 
the patient’s waist, 
shifts himself to the 
front, facing him, and 
stooping places his 
right shoulder against 
the abdomen; he pass- 
es his right hand and 
arm between the 
thighs—securing the 
right thigh—and with 
his left grasps pa- 
tient’s right hand, 
bringing it from be- 
hind under his (bear- 
er’s) left armpit, when, the wrist being firmly grasped 
Par. 147. Patient across Back. by his right hand, he rises. This position leaves the left 
hand free. 
149. In lowering 
patient from these po- 
sitions themotions are 
reversed. Should a 
patient be wounded in 
such manner as to re- 
quire these motions to 
Te conducted from his 
right side, instead of 
left, as laid down, the 
change is simply one 
c.f hands—themotions 
proceed as directed, 
substituting right for 
left, and vice versa. 
FOR TWO BEARERS, 
By the two-handed 
seat. 
150. The patient 
lying on the ground, 
the commands are 
given : 
1. Form two-handed 
neat, 2. Prepare to 
lift, 3. Lift. 
At the first com- 
mand the two bear- 
ers take position fac- 
ing each other on the 
right and left of the 
patient near his hips. 
Par. 148. Patient acboss Shoulder. 70 
Par. 150. Two-handed Seat. At the second command they raise the patient to a sit- 
ting posture, pass each one hand and arm around his 
back, while the other hands are passed under the thighs, 
palms up, and the fingers interlocked. 
At lift both rise together. 
In marching the bearers should break step, the right 
bearer starting with the right foot, the left bearer with 
the left foot. 
By the extremities. 
151. This method requires no effort on the part of the 
patient; but it is not applicable to severe injuries of the 
lower extremities. One bearer stands by the patient’s 
head, the other between his legs, both facing towards the 
feet. At prepare to lift, the rear bearer having raised 
the patient to the sitting posture, clasps him from be- 
hind around the body under the arms, while the front 
bearer passes his hands from the outside under the flexed 
knees. At lift, both bearers rise together. 
the rifle seat. 
152. A good seat may be made by running the barrels 
of two rifles through the sleeves of an overcoat, buttoned 
as in Par. 142, so that the coat lies back up, collar to the 
rear. The front bearer rolls the tail tightly around the 
barrels and takes his grasp over them; the rear bearer 
holds by the butts, hammers down. 
153. A stronger seat is secured when the gun-slings 
are. used, a seat 20 inches wide and two feet long being 
formed on which the patient sits with his back against 
the rear bearer, his legs hanging over outside, and the 
hollow of his knees resting upon the barrels. A bearer 
takes in each hand a rifle, with slings fully extended arid 
trigger-guard to the front; he passes the butt and sling 
of the piece held in the right hand through the sling of 
the piece held in the left hand; he then raises the rifle 
held in the left hand and passes its butt through the Par. 153. The Rifle Seat. 73 
sling of the other piece taking care that the turn of the 
slings comes above the hammers. In carrying this seat 
the bearers take position between the pieces, No. 2 in 
front and No. 3 in rear. 
To take apart the rifle seat reverse the movements, 
beginning with the piece held in the left hand. 
154. The help required to mount a disabled man will 
depend on the site and nature of his injuries; in many 
cases he is able to help himself materially. If he be en- 
tirely helpless, live men—if available—should be used to 
mount him, one to hold the horse, the others to act as 
bearers. The horse is, if necessary, blindfolded. 
To load from the near side, the bearers take posts at 
patient left, lift the patient and at the command prepare 
to mount carry him to horse, his body parallel to that of 
the horse, his head towards the horse’s tail. No. 1 stands 
on the off side of the horse ready to grasp the right le« 
of the patient when it is brought within his reach. 
When close to the horse’s side, at the command mount, 
the patient is carefully raised and carried over the horse 
until his seat reaches the saddle, when he is raised into 
position. 
When necessary to load from the off side the bearers 
lake posts at patient right. 
To mount with the assistance of three or two bearers 
the same principle is observed. 
155. To dismount, at the commands, 
TO PLACE A SICK PATIENT ON HORSEBACK. 
1. At 'patient, 2. Right {or left), 3. Posts, 4. Prepare 
to dismount, 5. Dismount, 
the movements are reversed. 
156. The patient once mounted should be made as 
safe and comfortable as possible. A comrade may be 74 
mounted behind him to hold him and guide the horse; 
otherwise,a lean-back must be provided,made of a blanket 
roll, a pillow, or a bag filled with leaves or grass. If the 
patient be very weak, the lean-back can be made of a 
sapling bent into an arch over the cantle of the saddle, 
its ends securely fastened, or of some other framework 
to which the patient is bound. 
157. The travois is a vehicle intended for transport- 
ing the sick or wounded when the use of wheeled vehi- 
cles or other means of transportation is impracticable. 
It consists of a frame, having shafts, two side poles and 
two crossbars, upon which a litter may be rested and 
partly suspended. When in use a horse or mule is at- 
tached to the shafts and pulls the vehicle, the poles of 
which drag on the ground. One pole is slightly shorter 
than the other, in order that in passing an obstacle the 
shock may be received successively by each and the mo- 
tion be equably distributed. 
To assemble the travois.—Nos. 2 and 1 on the right and 
4 and 3 on the left, pass the shaft through the collar on 
the travois pole from rear to front, pulling them until 
they are snugly home. Then Nos. 2 and 4 pass the front 
crossbar over the ironed ends on the front of the travois 
poles, driving it home until its collars strike the front 
collar of each pole, while Nos. 1 and 3 pass the rear 
crossbar (keeping uppermost the surface on which are 
the flat bolts) over the rear ends of the poles, pushing it 
forward until it reaches the squared points intended for 
its place, and passes the bolt slots of the poles when they 
throw the barrel bolts into place. 
To harness the travois.—The animal is placed between 
the shafts. If he has an ordinary wagon harness, the 
rings on the front end of the shafts are put over the iron 
THE TRAVOIS. Par. 157. The Travois. 76 
hook on the hames and the toggle of each trace chain is 
fastened to the ring of the corresponding travois pole. 
If he is saddled, the ring on the front of each shaft is 
fastened to that on the pommel of the saddle by means 
of the straps that belong there, and the shafts are secured 
by a surcingle passed over all. 
To place a litter on the travois.—If the litter is loaded it 
is wheeled so that the head of the patient is towards the 
rear of the travois and two paces from it; it is then halted 
and lowered. No. 1 throws back the flat bolts on the rear 
travois bar while Nos. 2 and 3 secure slings. The litter 
is then carried by four lengthwise over the travois, and 
Nos. 4 and 2 set the litter legs into the mortises and secure 
them by the bolts, while Nos. 1 and 3 pass the leather loops 
on the front end of the travois poles over their handles of 
the litter. 
A travois may be improvised by cutting poles about 15 
feet long and 2 inches in diameter at the small end. These 
poles are laid parallel to each other, small ends to the 
front and feet apart; the large ends about 3 feet apart, 
and one of them projecting 8 or 10 inches beyond the 
other. The poles are connected by a crossbar about 6 feet 
from the front ends and another about 6 feet back of the 
first, each notched at its ends and securely lashed at the 
notches to the poles. Between the cross pieces the litter 
bed, 6 feet long, is filled in with canvas, blanket, etc., 
securely fastened to the poles and crossbars, or with rope, 
lariat, rawhide strips, etc., stretching obliquely from pole 
to pole in many turns, crossing each other to form the 
basis for a light mattress or improvised bed; or a litter 
may be made fast between the poles to answer the same 
purpose. The front ends of the poles are then securely 
fastened to the saddle of the animal. A breast strap and 
traces should, if possible, be improvised and fitted to the 
horse. THE TWO-HORSE UTTER. 
158. The two-horse Utter consists of a litter with long 
handles used as shafts for carrying by two horses, or 
mules, one in front, the other in rear of the litter. It 
accommodates one recumbent patient. On a good trail 
it is preferable to the travois, as the patient lies in the 
horizontal position, and, in case of fractured limbs, they 
can easily be secured against disturbance. The great 
disadvantage of this litter is, that it requires two animals 
and at least three men for each patient, one or more to 
attend to the disabled man and the others to watch over 
and guide the movements of the animals. This litter may 
be improvised in the same manner as the travois, only 
the poles should be 1634 feet lon&> and the crossbars 
forming the ends of the litter bed should be fastened 5 
feet from the front and rear ends of the poles. The ends 
are made fast to the saddles by notches, into which the 
fastening ropes are securely tied. 
159. A patient is lowered upon or lifted from a horse 
litter or travois in the same general manner as upon or 
from a bed or other litter. The service of the travois 
requires three men, one to lead the animal, the others to 
watch the litter and be ready to lift its rear poles when 
passing over obstacles, crossing streams, or going up hill. THE AMBULANCE.* 
160. The regulation ambulance is a four-wheeled 
vehicle, drawn by two horses. It provides transportation 
for eight men sitting or two recumbent on litters, or four 
sitting and one recumbent. It is fitted with four remov- 
able seats, which, when not used as such, are hung, two 
against each side, thus answering the purpose of cushions. 
The floor is 1% feet long and 4 feet wide. Beneath the 
driver’s seat is a box for the medical and surgical chests, 
and under the body are two water tanks; outside, on each 
side, are two brackets upon which litters are carried. 
AMBULANCE DRILL. 
101. The litters are said to be packed when they are 
strapped and placed upon the brackets. The seats are 
said to be prepared when they are horizontal, supported 
* With the old pattern ambulance, which has a litter rest and special 
litters (the latter carried suspended each by two straps from the hand rails), 
and which will not accommodate the regulation litter, the bearers proceed 
as follows: After the seats are packed, No. 2 passes the two rear rollers to 
No. 3 and adjusts the two front rollers; they then, beginning on the right, 
unbuckle the straps, place the litter upon the rollers, and resume their posts. 
No. 1 then commands: Procure litter, about face, when the litter is brought 
to the camj and opened ; after which the patient is transferred to the ambu- 
lance litter and loaded. After the patient is unloaded and transferred to the 
regulation litter, No. 1 commands: At ambulance litter posts, when the litter 
is closed, shouldered and returned to ambulance ; he then marches his squad 
back to the regulation litter. To prepare seats, the litters are suspended, 
beginning on the right, the rollers are returned to their compartment, and 
the seats prepared. 79 
by the legs; and packed when they are hooked against 
the sides of the wagon 
To take posts at ambulance. 
162. Being in line. 
1. At ambulance, 2. Posts, 
The designated squad marches in column of files to the 
ambulance; when No. 1 takes post on the left, No. 2 in 
the center, and No. 3 on the right of the rear of the ambu- 
lance and close to it, No. 4 on the right of No. 3. 
In the case of a litter lowered in rear of ambulance 
preparatory to loading, head of patient toward it, at the 
command posts, each No. faces about (except No. 2), and 
proceeds directly to his post. 
This is the invariable position of the squad at ambu- 
lance posts; it may be taken from any position (the litter, 
if any, being grounded or lowered), and when disarranged, 
from whatever cause, the squad may be reassembled by 
these commands for service at the ambulance. 
163. The ambulance having seats packed and the 
squad being at ambulance posts: 
1. Prepare, 2. Seats, 
Nos. 1 and 3 raise the curtain, if necessary, and open 
the tail-gate; Nos. 2 and 3 enter the ambulance, No. 2 
facing the front and No. 3 the rear seat of their respec- 
tive sides. Each man seizes the lower edge of the seat 
about 6 inches from the ends with both hands and lifts 80 
it carefully to free the hooks from the upper slots, and 
then slips them into the lower slots; he raises the legs 
and adjusts them to the seat, fastening the keepers, and 
tries the seat for firmness before leaving it. He then 
prepares in like manner the opposite seat. Nos. 3 and 2 
now resume their places at ambulance posts. 
164. The ambulance having seats prepared, and the 
squad being at ambulance posts : 
1. Pack, 2. Seats. 
Nos. 1 and 3 raise the curtain, if necessary, and open 
the tail-gate, Nos. 2 and 3 enter the ambulance, No. 2 
facing the front and No. 3 the rear seat of their respec- 
tive sides. Each man having pushed aside the keepers 
covering the slots, releases the legs, then seizing the front 
of the seat with both hands, raises the seat to clear the 
hooks from the lower slots and slips them into the upper 
slots. He then packs in like manner the opposite seat. 
Nos. 3and 2 now resume their posts at ambulance. 
165. Seats can be prepared or packed on one side only, 
(leaving room on the packed side for one recumbent pa- 
tient) by the commands : Prepare (or pack) seats, right 
(or left). 
166. The litter being lifted, at the commands: 
the squad proceeds to the ambulance. No. 4, starting- 
ahead in double time, lays the arms and accouterments 
of the patient (which he carries) on the ground by the 
right rear wheel; he then raises the curtain, if necessary, 
opens the tail-gate, observes the condition of the ambu- 
lance and (resuming his post at the litter) reports it to 
the squad leader. Upon approaching the ambulance the 
1. Take post to load ambulance, 2. March; 81 
litter is wheeled about so that the head of the patient is 
toward the rear of the ambulance and two paces from it, 
when the litter is halted and lowered. If it be necessary 
to prepare the ambulance before loading, the squad takes 
posts at ambulance, No. 4 remaining in charge of the 
patient; if ready for the reception of the litter the com- 
mands are given: 
1. Prepare to load, 2. Load. 
167. At the first command, the slings are secured; No.2 
stands fast; No. 3 steps around his left handle and takes 
post at the patient’s left shoulder; No. 1 takes post op- 
posite No. 3; all facing the litter stoop, No. 2 grasping 
his handles, and Nos. 1 and 3 their respective poles; No. 
4 watches the patient and otherwise renders any needful 
assistance. At load, the bearers slowly raise the litter to 
the level of the floor of the ambulance and advance to it, 
being careful to keep the litter in a horizontal position; 
the legs are placed on the floor by Nos. 1 and 3, and the 
litter pushed in by No. 2, assisted by the others. When 
this is accomplished, Nos. 1,2 and 3 are in position at 
ambulance posts. No. 4 places the arms and accounter- 
ments of the patient (if any) under the litter, and then 
takes his position on the right; Nos. 1 and 3 close the 
tail-gate and, if necessary, lower the curtain. The squad 
may then be faced in any desired direction and marched 
away. 
168. The squad being at ambulance posts: 
1. Prepare to unload, 2. Unload. 
At the first command, Nos. 1 and 8 raise the curtain, if 
necessary, open the tail-gate, and No. 2 takes hold of the 
projecting handles of the litter; at unload, No. 2 draws 
out the litter, assisted by Nos. 1 and 3, who, facing 82 
Par. 167. Loading Ambulance. 83 
inward, support the poles until the inner handles are 
reached. The litter, carefully supported in a horizontal 
position, is then lowered with the head of the patient two 
paces in rear of wagon; No. 4 closes the tail-gate, and all 
take posts at litter. 
169. To load with two bearers, the litter being lowered 
in position for loading, at prepare to load, the bearers 
take posts on their respective sides, mid-length of the 
litter and facing it; they stoop and grasp each a pole 
firmly with both hands. At load, they lift the litter and 
push it into the ambulance. 
At unload, each bearer grasping his handle, they partly 
withdraw the litter, then shifting their hands to their re- 
spective poles and facing each other they continue to 
withdraw it until the head reaches the rear of the ambu- 
lance, when they lift the litter out and lower it to the 
ground. 
170. The right side of the ambulance is always loaded 
or unloaded first, unless otherwise ordered. 
171. When necessary to load the feet first, at the com- 
mands: By the feet, take post to load ambulance, march, the 
litter is lowered with foot toward the ambulance, when 
the loading proceeds as above described, excepting that 
No. 3 remains between his handles, No. 2 takes post op- 
posite the right ankle, and No. 4 opposite him. 
172. At the conclusion of the drill with ambulances 
the detachment is re-formed in line. 
TO PREPARE AND LOAD ORDINARY WAGONS TO TRANS- 
PORT WOUNDED. 
173. Ln active service, the use of the ordinary army 
or other wagons for transporting the sick and wounded 
is of everyday occurrence, and it is important that bear- 
ers should be practised in preparing, loading, and unload- 
ing such vehicles. Patients may be laid on straw or other like material spread thickly over the bottom of the 
wagon, or on hand-litters placed on the bottom, or sus- 
pended by ropes or straps. The movements heretofore 
fully described, to load and unload, will, if thoroughly 
understood, meet the requirements of any emergency of 
this character. It must, however, always be remembered 
that such work demands a far greater amount of care on 
the part of the bearers, for the safety and comfort of their 
patients, than when the proper appliances are at hand. 
84 INSPECTION AND MUSTER. 
INSPECTION OF DETACHMENT. 
174. Inspection is in such uniform as may be pre- 
scribed. The Hospital Corps pouch is worn with all uni- 
forms, suspended from the left shoulder to the rear over 
the right hip, except with the knapsack, when it hangs 
in front to the right. 
The detachment should be frequently inspected in the 
uniform and equipment for field service, which consist 
of the blouse, trousers, campaign hat, shoes, and leggings, 
the waist-belt and knife, the knapsack packed, the hav- 
ersack and canteen suspended from the right shoulder 
to the rear over the left hip, and the tin cup hung from 
the loop at the bottom of the knapsack. 
If required, a revolver is carried at the belt on the 
right side and a cartridge pouch on the left. 
175. The detachment being formed, the senior non- 
commissioned officer salutes, reports, and takes his place 
on the right of the line of file closers. [Par. 3.] 
The officer commanding, standing in front of the cen- 
ter of the detachment, then draws sword and commands: 
1. Open ranks, 2. March, 3. Front. 
At the first command the senior noncommissioned of- 
ficer steps one pace to the rear to mark the new align- 
ment of the file closers; the medical officers above the 
rank of lieutenant stand fast during the inspection; the 
junior officers place themselves on the right and left of 
the rank; the officer commanding goes to the right flank 86 
and verifies the position of the senior noncommissioned 
officer, then places himself facing to the left, three paces 
in front of the right of the detachment, and commands: 
March. At this command the junior officers take post 
three paces in front of the detachment, distributing them- 
selves equally along the line, in order of rank, from right 
to left; the rank (the left hand above the hip) dresses to the 
right; the file closers step backward to the line estab- 
lished by the senior noncommissioned officer, and dress 
to the right. 
The officer commanding aligns the officers and the 
rank; the senior noncommissioned officer the file closers. 
The officer commanding verifies the alignment of the 
file closers; the officers and file closers cast their eyes to 
the front as soon as their alignment is verified. 
At the command f ront, the men cast their eyes to the 
front and drop the left hand. 
176. The officer commanding takes post facing to the 
front, three paces in front of the right guide, and as the 
inspector approaches, he faces to the left, commands: 
1. Inspection, 2. Arms; 
and facing to the front salutes him. 
At the command inspection, each man armed with a 
knife grasps and slightly raises the scabbard with the 
left hand and seizes the grip with the right, thumb to the 
rear and against the guard; at arms, he draws the knife 
quickly and raises the arm to its full extent, at an angle 
of about 45 degrees, the knife in a straight line with the 
arm, then drops the arm naturally extended by the side, 
back of the blade to the front, point down; simultaneously 
the noncommissioned officers draw saber and bring it to 
the carry. 
As soon as inspected, the officer commanding returns 
sword, and accompanies the inspector. When the latter 87 
begins to inspect the rank, the junior officers face about 
and stand at ease, sword at the order. 
Commencing on the right, the inspector now proceeds 
to minutely inspect the saber or knife, accouterments 
and dress of each soldier in succession. Each man, as 
the inspector approaches him, brings his saber or knife 
vertically to the front, raises the hand as high as the neck 
and six inches in front of it, guard at the height of the 
chin, edge to the left, thumb on the back of the grip; 
after a slight pause he turns the wrist outward to show 
the other side of the blade, and, as the inspector passes 
on,resumes the original position; after the inspector has 
passed he returns saber or knife without command. 
177. To return knife, each man grasps the scabbard 
with the left hand, quickly raises up the right hand as 
high as the neck and six inches in front of it (as for in- 
spection), then drops the point of the knife and sheaths 
the blade. 
17$. This inspection being completed, the junior of- 
ficers come to attention, carry sword and face to the front; 
the officer commanding again takes his post on the right, 
draws his sword, and facing to the left commands: 
1. Open, 2. Pouches; 
then facing to the front returns sword, and accompanies 
the inspector as before. At the last command the pouches 
are shifted under the right arm to the front, the flap 
opened and held by the left hand, fingers extended, palm 
against the body, so that the flap-strap covers the line of 
buttons, right hand at side. Simultaneously the non- 
commissioned officers take their dressing packets be- 
tween the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, held 
to the front, forearm horizontal, palm up. 
After the inspector has passed each man closes and 
replaces the pouch, or returns the packet. 88 
179. If the detachment is equipped with knapsacks,* 
the officer commanding from his post as before com- 
mands: 
1. Unsling, 2. Knapsack, 3. Open, 4. Knapsack. 
At the first command each man unhooks the right-hand 
strap; at the second command he removes the knapsack 
and places it on the ground at his feet, flap inward; at 
the fourth command he opens it, and then stands at at- 
tention. 
The knapsacks having been inspected, the officer 
commanding commands: 
At the second command each man repacks and closes 
his knapsack, and then stands erect, leaving his knap- 
sack on the ground. 
At the command sling, each man takes his knapsack 
and standing erect holds it by the straps, the flap next 
to the knees; at the command knapsack, he places it on 
the back. 
180. The inspection being completed, the officer com- 
manding commands: 
1. Close, 2. Knapsack, 3. Sling, 4. Knapsack 
1. Close ranks, 2. March. 
At the command march, the junior officers face about 
and resume their posts in line of file closers; the file 
closers close to two paces from the rank. The officer 
commanding may direct the junior officers to stand fast 
in front of the detachment. 
181. If the detachment, or part of it, should be 
* The word knapsack will be used in the commands for all patterns of 
packs. 89 
mounted, or armed with revolvers, it will be inspected in 
this respect in accordance with cavalry drill regulations. 
INSPECTION OF LITTERS. 
182. The detachment being in line with strapped lit- 
ters at the carry, the commands are given: 
1. Litters left, 2. March, 3. Halt 
1. Inspection, 2. Litters 
At litters No. 1 of each squad steps back in line with 
No. 3, the litters are opened, held suspended until in- 
spected, and then lowered, when the squads take posts at 
litters. 
183. The ambulances being in line at intervals of ten 
paces, with seats packed, each with a squad at ambu- 
lance posts, the commands are given: 
INSPECTION OP AMBULANCES. 
1. Inspection, 2. Ambulances; 
when each squad steps back three paces in rear of its 
ambulance. The inspector first examines the animals 
and harness, then the ambulance and contents, after which 
he directs the seats to be prepared, or such other work to 
be done as he desires executed. 
184. All stated musters of the detachment are, when 
practicable, preceded by a minute and careful inspection. 
The detachment being in line with ranks open, the 
officer commanding, upon intimation of the mustering 
officer, commands: 
MUSTER. 90 
1. Draw, 2. Knife, 3. Attention, to muster. 
[Draw knife is executed a6 in Par. 176.] 
He then returns sword, and hands a roll of the Hos- 
pital Corps detachment, with a list of absentees, to the 
mustering officer. The latter calls over the names on the 
roll; each man, as his name is called, answers, “Here,” 
and returns saber or knife ; men without saber or knife, 
after answering, step forward one pace. The muster 
completed, the ranks are closed and the detachment 
dismissed. 
After mustering, the presence of the men reported in 
the hospital or on duty is verified by the mustering officer, 
who is accompanied by the officer commanding. APPENDIX. 
185. The canvas of a field hospital consists of hospital 
tents, conical wall tents, and common tents. The hos- 
pital tents are intended for use as wards, the conical wall 
tents as dispensary, squad, and mess tents, and the com- 
mon tents as latrine covers. 
Tentage for medical officers is not included in that 
for the field hospital. Each medical officer is allowed 
one wall tent complete. 
HOSPITAL TENT. 
186. A hospital tent is 14 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 
11 feet to ridge, the wall being 4*4 feet high; it furnishes 
comfortable accommodations for six patients, and requires 
to pitch it a ridge pole and two upright poles, seven long 
tent pins on each side for the guy ropes and two on each 
side for the long guys, eighteen in all. Twenty-four 
small pins are needed for the front, rear, and walls. 
187. The hospital tents should always be pitched first 
in the field hospital. 
Two squads (8 men) under direction of a noncommis- 
sioned officer: 
1. Take posts to pitch tent, 2. March. 
1st squad: Posts, No. 1 right rear, No. 2 right front, 
No. 3 left rear, No. 4 left front (in position by four,carry). 
Nos. 1 and 2 bring ridge and upright poles, unfasten 
them and place the ridge poles as directed by the non- 92 
commissioned officer; they then place the upright poles 
in position on the ground, usually on the side opposite 
that from which the wind is blowing. Nos. 3 and 4 bring 
tent, unroll it, and all now open canvas and place it in 
position for pitching. Nos. 1 and 8 working in rear, Nos. 
2 and 4 in front, fix the ridge pole and slip the pins of 
the upright poles through the ridge pole and tent, Nos. 
2 and 3 going to the bottoms of the uprights and tapping 
them with a maul, if necessary, to drive them home. The 
fly (if used) is now placed in position over tent and the 
loops of the long guys over front and rear pole pins. 
Nos. 1 and 4, at their respective ends, now raise the 
ridge pole to a convenient height, when Nos. 2 and 3 
enter tent through openings and support upright at their 
respective ends until Nos. 1 and 4 enter, when the second 
squad having pinned down the corners, all lifting together 
raise tent by first carrying it towards the side opposite 
that on which the upright poles (usually placed on the 
leeward side) are and then bringing the upright poles 
vertical. 
2d squad: Same posts as 1st squad and working simul- 
taneously with it. Nos. 1 and 3 each take a maul, five 
large and six small tent pins. Nos. 2 and 4 each take a 
maul, four large and six small tent pins and place them 
at their respective corners of the hospital tent. No. 4 
places a small pin, notch to front, in front of hospital 
tent ridge pole, to mark front opening; No. 1 places a 
small pin at rear end of hospital tent ridge-pole to mark 
rear opening. Nos. 1 and 2 work to right side of tent, 
Nos. 3 and 4 to left side. Nos. 1 and 4 place the front 
and rear door loops over the center pins already driven, 
No. 1 then quickly goes to right rear corner, No. 3 to left, 
No. 2 to right front corner, and No. 4 to left. All draw 
bottom of tent taut and square, front and rear being at 
right angles to ridge, and secure the corner loops with 93 
pins. Each now steps two full paces directly out from 
side of tent at their respective corners and one pace to 
the right or left (front bearers to front, rear bearers to 
rear) at which points they each set a large pin, and slip 
their corner guy rope, fully extended, over it. They now 
set the guy pins in line with the corner guy pins at inter- 
vals of two feet (seven pins on each side), IN os. 1 and 2 
working toward each other, as do Nos. B and 4. 
As soon as tent is raised, which is never done until the 
corners are pinned down, they secure the guy ropes 
over their pins and then set the wall pins in line with 
the corner wall pins, beginning at the front and rear 
openings and working toward each other on their re- 
spective sides, No. 1 to No. 2 on the right, No. 3 to No. 
4 on the left. All then fasten the long roof guy ropes on 
their respective sides and take their posts. 
With two hospital tents the front one is pitched first, 
the 2d squad, if necessary, not setting the wall pins of 
the front tent until the rear tent is raised. 
1S8. With one squad (4 men). 
They take posts as in Par. 186, work proceeding as 
therein" described until the canvas is spread, Nos. 3 and 
4 in the meantime each getting two mauls, nine large and 
twelve small tent pins, which they drop at their respective 
ends of the tent; they then set the small pins to mark the 
rear and front openings. When canvas is spread, No. 1 
secures center (door) loops over center pin in rear, and No. 
4 in front, and each goes to his corner, No. 1 right rear, No. 
2 right front, No. 3 left rear, No. 4 left front. All draw 
bottom of tent taut and square, the front and rear at right 
angles to the ridge, and fasten it with pins through the 
corner loops; then stepping outward two paces from the 
corner pins and one pace to the front (Nos. 2 and 4) or 
rear (Nos. 1 and 3), each securely sets a long pin, over 
which is passed the extended corner guy rope. Nos. 1 94 
and 3 now go to rear, Nos. 2 and 4 to front pole and raise 
the tent to a convenient height from the ground, when 
Nos. 2 and 3 enter and seize their respective poles, and all 
together raise the tent by first carrying it as far as possi- 
ble to the side opposite that on which the upright poles 
are, and then raising the upright poles vertical. While 
Nos. 2 and 3 support the poles, Nos. 1 and 4 tighten the 
corner guys, beginning on the windward side. The tent 
being thus temporarily secured, all set the guy pins and 
fasten the guy ropes, Nos. 1 and 2 right, Nos. 3 and 4 left, 
and then the wall pins, when all take their posts. 
The tents having been pitched, they should be thor- 
oughly ditched as soon as convenient. 
181). A wall tent or common tent is pitched in the 
same manner as a hospital tent, by four bearers. Care ; 
must betaken that the tent is properly squared andpinned 
to the ground at the door and four corners before being j 
raised. 
CONICAL WALL TENT. 
100. The conical wall tent is feet in diameter and 
11 feet to the peak. It is provided with a hood, and will, 
comfortably accommodate ten men, and may be made to 
hold twice that number. 
101. To pitch it requires a tripod, pole, and forty-eight 
tent pins. 
One squad [posts as at litter]: 
1. Take posts to pitch tent, 2. March. 
No. 1 procures tent; No. 4 tripod and pole, which he 
opens; Nos. 2 and 3 each twenty-four tent pins and a 
maul which they place near front and rear of tent re- 
spectively. Nos. 2, 3, and 4 unroll the tent and spread it 
out upon the ground near where it is to be pitched, top of 
tent at its center. No. 1 having taken a maul and two 95 
pins steps off eight paces directly outward (right or 
left) from the front corner of the hospital tent, on a 
line with its front, and drives a pin to mark the door 
of the conical wall tent; he then measures with the tent 
pole from this pin directly backward, the far end of the 
pole determining the center of the tent, which he also 
marks with a pin; No. 4 places the tripod opened out 
flat, with ring over the center pin, and lays the pole on 
the ground, pin-end at center pin. All now being at 
their posts, bring the canvas over the tripod till its cen- 
ter comes to the center pin and door at the front pin, 
when No. 2 slips the wall loop at one side of door over 
front pin, and fastens the rope of the flap to the same pin. 
This is an important duty and upon its proper perform- 
ance depends the proper pitching of the tent. The door 
is double. 
Nos. 1 and 4 commencing at rear and front of tent re- 
spectively, and working to the right and left, scatter the 
pins and pull out the guy ropes. Nos. 2 and 3 take each 
a maul, and commencing front and rear respectively, 
work right and left of the tent, driving the guy pins, 
placing them about one yard from the edge of the tent, 
each on a line with a seam. As the pins are driven, Nos. 
1 and 4 place the ends of the guy-ropes over them,work- 
ing on their respective sides. When the pins are set, No. 
2 crawls under the canvas, slightly raises the tent and 
places the pin of the pole through the plate attached to 
the chains at the top of the tent, and raising the pole, 
sets it in the ring of the tripod; No. 3 having, from the 
outside, placed the hood over the pole pin, enters the tent 
by crawling under, and assists No. 2 in raising the tripod, 
which being done, Nos. 1 and 4 tighten the guys; they 
then scatter the wall pins. The tent having been secured, 
Nos. 2 and 3 now take their posts outside and drive the 
wall pins, working as before, No. 2 toward the right rear, 96 
and No. 3 toward the left front; Nos. 1 and 4 straighten 
the tent and fasten the hood guys. Upon the completion 
of the pitching the squad takes its posts. 
In pitching, as soon as any man has completed his as- 
signed work, he assists the others until all have finished. 
192. To strike a tent: At the commands take posts to 
strike tent, march, the men take their posts; they first re- 
move the wall pins, and then all the guy pins on their 
respective sides, except the four corner pins of the square 
tents, or the quadrant pins of the conical wall tents. 
Standing at their respective posts they remove the corner, 
or quadrant, guys from the pins and hold the tent until 
the command strike is given, when the tent is lowered to 
the indicated side. The canvas is then rolled up and 
tied by Nos. 1 and 4, while Nos. 2 and 3 fasten the poles, 
or tripod and pole, together, and collect the pins. 
With two hospital tents the first squad strikes the 
front and the second squad the rear tent. All canvas of 
the field hospital, except the hospital tents, is usually 
struck before the “ general ” is sounded. 
TO PACK KNAPSACK. 
193. Contents: 
■ One (1) woolen blanket; 
One (1) undershirt; 
Two (2) pairs socks; 
One (1) pair drawers; 
One (1) blue flannel shirt; 
One (1) towel; 
One (1) pair shoes; 
Toilet articles; 
Tin cup (suspended underneath). 
First. Fold woolen blanket from end to end, and then 
from side to side, and again from side to side ; double 
the long end so that its edge comes even with the lower 97 
edge of the stripe, and slip the doubled end into the 
knapsack so that the long end of the blanket is against 
the back of the knapsack ; push the blanket well down 
to the bottom of the knapsack and smooth it out. This 
leaves a space between the sides of the doubled end of 
the blanket into which the clothing is slipped. The ex- 
posed end of the blanket is left to be tucked in over the 
clothing, and secured by the tapes on the knapsack. 
Second. Fold the undershirt flat in the usual manner; 
place upon it, side by side and lengthwise with the shirt, 
two (2) pair of socks, folded flat; over these, place a 
pair of drawers, folded once lengthwise, and then in 
three crosswise; upon them a blue flannel shirt folded 
in the usual nanner, and lastly, at each lower angle 
(collar end of shirts) place a shoe, the “ upper ” of which 
is opened out and slipped over the package of clothing, 
the two shoes thus covering in the entire lower end and 
half of the sides of the package. Secure the package 
of clothing with tapes or twine, push it well down into 
the center space of the blanket, shoe end first, and, 
tucking in the exposed end of the blanket over the 
clothing, secure it with the tapes on the knapsack. 
Place the toilet articles [toothbrush, comb, soap, towel, 
etc.] in the compartment provided therefor. Then close 
the flap and secure it. 
The tin cup is to be suspended from the tape at the 
bottom of the knapsack, and the overcoat,rolled in a half 
shelter tent, is to be secured by the coat straps on top of 
the knapsack. 
To roll overcoat.— Turn one sleeve wrong side out, 
fold the overcoat right side out along middle back seam, 
sleeve laid straight, sleeve wrong side out underneath. 
Fold cape twice from side to side, lay it on coat, collar 
to collar. Turn edges of coat in so as to make sides 
parallel, so as to measure 12 inches wide at shoulder, 98 
and 16 inches at bottom. Roll from collar down to within 
20 inches of bottom, turn up bottom and pull one thick- 
ness of skirt over the roll, making all snug. 
To roll shelter tent half.—Turn in the flap, bring front 
and rear edges together, then fold resulting front and 
rear edges until they meet in the middle, making the 
canvas 15 inches wide. Roll the overcoat in the shelter 
tent. 
PACKING. 
194. The pack equipment complete consists of— 
1 combination halter and bridle, with leading line; 
1 breast strap and chains; 
1 breeching strap and chains; 
1 pack saddle, with parts as follows, viz: 
One (1) iron yoke frame; 
Two (2) wooden side pieces; 
Two (2) side pads of leather, lined with blanket 
and stuffed with hair; 
Four (4) small straps to fasten saddle and pads to- 
gether: 
Two (2) pairs of quarter straps (each connected by 
a cross strap) with rings and two ciucha (latigo) 
straps for each side; 
Two (2) webbing cinchas; 
One (1) surcingle (cargo cincha); 
Two (2) pairs of sling ropes; 
Two (2) saddle blankets. 
The purpose of this equipment is to permit of the 
packingof the medical (No. 1) and surgical (No. 2) chests, 
in the event of wheeled transportation being impracti- 
cable. 
It will be observed that the chests are so arranged 99 
upon the saddle as to permit of immediate access to their 
contents, to facilitate which the animal carrying the pack 
must habitually be led. 
One litter squad will be designated as packers, who 
will see that the equipment is accurately fitted to the 
animal, and will be responsible for its care and condition. 
No. 1 brings the saddle and puts it on from the near 
side; No. 2 bridles and blindfolds the animal, and holds 
him, taking care that he is never moved without first 
removing the blinder. He will also assist No. 1 in sad- 
dling, working on the off side. 
TO SADDLE. 
195. Place the folded saddle blankets one above the 
other, so that their front edges will come 2% inches in 
front of where the pommel end of the saddle is to rest, 
take the saddle by both yokes and place it squarely in 
position, a little in rear of its proper place; place the 
crupper under the dock and gently move the saddle 
forward into position, taking care not to disarrange or 
move the blankets; pass the latigo strap through the free 
end of the front cincha and tighten and secure it; then 
secure the rear cincha in the same manner, taking care 
that the rings of the cinchas, when cinched, are above 
the lower edge of the pads. Place the breast strap in 
position, and fasten the chains of the breast and breech- 
ihg straps to the saddle. Pass the strap end of the cargo 
cincha, to its mid-length, under the yoke bars of the 
saddle, and throw both ends to the rear, off of the 
saddle, taking care that the bight of the cincha remains 
between the hooks of the saddle yoke. 
196. Nos. 3 and 4 bring the chests, and, beginning with 
the medical (No. 1) on the near side, hang them upon the 
TO LOAD. 100 
saddle, suspended from the yoke hooks by two rings per- 
manently fastened to the back of each chest. 
No. 1 having steadied the saddle by supporting the 
medical (No. 1) chest until the surgical (No. 2) chest is in 
place, then secures the load as follows: 
No. 4 from the off side takes the strap end of the cargo 
cincha, brings it over No. 2 chest, and passes it under the 
animal’s belly to No. 1, who, in the meantime, has brought 
the buckle end of the cincha over No. 1 chest; No. 1 then 
passes the strap through the buckle, and, with the assist- 
ance of No. 4, draws the cincha snug and buckles it. 
Anything other than medical and surgical chests are 
packed by means of the sling ropes. 
No. 1 passes the sling ropes over the saddle to the off 
side, until the cross-strap, placed mid-length of the ropes 
and joining them, comes parallel to the animal’s spine ; 
Nos. 3 and 4 place the off side pack well up on the sad- 
dle, where No. 3 supports it with the left shoulder, and 
throws the ends of the sling ropes over his right shoulder 
in readiness to pass them over the pack ; No. 4 then passes 
to the near side and assists No. 1 to place near side pack 
well up on saddle, its edge, if possible, overlapping the 
upper edge of the off side pack, where he supports it; No. 
1 takes the end of the front rope and slipping it through 
loop passed to him by No. 3, secures it, then passes to the off 
side, secures the rear rope, the loop of which is passed to 
him by No. 4. The packs having been slung, are balanced, 
when No. 1 secures them with the cargo cincha, passed 
over the pack and under the animal’s belly. 101 
197. Scheme for packing medical officer’s orderly 
pouch. 
Bear portion {in loops). 
(Top.) 
Esmarch’s 
tourniquet. 
1 measuring 
glass. 
2 sponges in 
bag. 
1 bottle aromatic 
spirits 
of ammonia. 
Scissors 
and hypo- 
dermic 
syringe. 
1 bottle 
chloroform. 
1 diagnosis 
tag book 
(in rear). 
1 medicine 
case 
(in front). 
(Bottom.) 
Front portion. 
(Top.) 
i 
2 roller bandages, 1 pus 
basin, 1 box vase- 
1 package boric wool. line, carbolati d; 1 first 
aid packet; pins, 
assorted and safety. 
1 package lint, 
sublimated. 
{Bottom.) 
Catheter, elastic. 102 
198. Scheme fok packing hospital corps pouch. 
(7’o/0 
Hear porti ni. 
In case, dress- 
ing forceps, 
scissors, 
jack knife; 
pins, assorted; 
pins, safety; 
needles and 
1 bandage. 
1 tourniquet, 
field. 
Candle and ,,, , Aromatic 
matches 2 bandages, spirits of 
in tin case. antlsel’t,c' ammonla- 
c* o 
'■ % 
Iodoform 
sprinkler. 
thread. 
.1 
Thread. 
sc 2 
Vaseline, 
arbolated. 
Front portion. 
{Top.) 
1 first aid package (in 
sive plaster (in front). 
1 package of 
boric wool. 
(Bottom.) 
2 wire splints with six tapes. 103 
199. Hospital Corps Bugle Call: 
POSITION OF THE MEDICAL OFFICERS, HOSPITAL CORPS 
DETACHMENT, AND AMBULANCES ON THE MARCH. 
200. The position of the medical department of a 
marching command is immediately in rear of the rear 
company of the organization to which it pertains, and in 
front of the rear guard. 
The medical officers and their orderlies are immediately 
in front of the ambulances. The Hospital Corps detach- 
ment immediately in rear, followed by the senior non- 
commissioned officer. 
With each ambulance is a driver and an ambulance 
orderly. 
In camp the ambulances and medical department 
wagons are parked near the field hospital, and not with 
the wagon train. INDEX, 
A. 
Par. 
Alignment Note, (p. 32) 7 
Ambulance l60 
at posts 162 
at drill 161-172 
after drill with detachment reformed 172 
old pattern, to drill with Note, (p. 78) 
right side loaded or unloaded first 170 
„ to load 166,167,169,171 
to load or unload with two bearers 169 
to load feet first 171 
to unload 168 
Appendix 185-200 
Assembly Note, (p. 6) 4 
As you were — 8 
At ease 44,100 
At litter, posts - 71,76 
At patient, posts 103,107 
Attention 45,96 
B. 
Backward, to march 12 
Bearer drill, always made to resemble actual service 105 
Blanket litter, to prepare 138,141 
Bugle call, Hospital Corps 199 106 
c. 
Carry litter by four bearers — 125 
from the ground 64 
from the shoulder 62 
Change bearers 74 
Change posts, from at litter posts 72 
Change posts, from line , 73 
Chests, medical, No. 1 194-196 
surgical, No. 2 194-196 
Closed litter 54 
Close ranks, march 180 
Coat litter 142 
Column of twos or files marched by same commands as column of 
foui s 40 
Column of fours, twos, or files marched to rear or flank 41 
Column right (or left) 17 
half right (or left) 17 
Command of litter squad 52 
Common tent 189 
Conical wall tent 190-192 
Count fours —r 6 
Count squads 6 
D. 
Detachment, formation of 2-6 
to dismiss the 47 
inspection of 174-181 
to size the 5 
Diagnosis tag 105 
Directions, general, for carrying patients 113-120 
Direction, to change 17 
Dress (right or left) Note, (p. 32) 7 
Double time 19,20 
Drill, ambulance 161-172 
litter 50-55 
to cease HI 107 
E. 
Extend, to, while on the march 88 
F. 
Face (right or left)— 15 
Face to the rear and march to the rear 36,37 
Fall in.. 4,44 
Fall out , 44 
Field hospital, canvas of 185 
First aid on the field by Nos. 1 and 4 104 
File closers 
to change flank 30 
Flank, by the right (or left) march 15 
Formations, column of fours 24 
and halt 25 
to march to the rear 32 
from twos or files 42,43 
to putin march and change direction. 27 
from line and change direction 28 
to march to the front from line 29 
to form line 33-35 
of litters, to form, being in line 88 
of sections 93 
single column from column of sections 97 
column of sections from single column 98 
of twos 58 
of files 39 
rank, to form from the ground 10 
Forward, to march 1° 
Fours, right (or left) march 33 
Front 1 
G. 
Ground litter from the carry 83 
Guideg 3,24,25,26,29,33,34,35,88 108 
H. 
Halt 15,40 
Horseback, to place a patient on 154 
Horse litter 158 
Hospital, field, canvas of 185 
tent, to pitch 186-188 
I. 
Improvisation of litters 137-142 
of travois 157 
Inspection, arms 176 
and muster of a detachment 174-184 
of ambulance 183 
of litters 182 
of packets 178 
of pouches 178 
Instruction, senior medical officer responsible for 1 
Intervals, to close 84 
to take 83 
K. 
Knapsack Note, (p. 88) 
contents 193 
close 179 
open 179 
sling 179 
to pack 193 
unsling 179 
Knives, to draw 176 
to return , 177 
L. 
Litter and slings 48,49 
at, posts 71 
being at the shoulder to order 58 109 
Litter being at the order to shoulder 59 
at the stack to take 61 
blanket, to form 138-141 
to lift 139 
to take apart 140 
brought vertical when No. 3 changes direction 57 
cadence with loaded litter 116 
carry by fours 125 
strapped or closed 54 
close march 64 
coat, to carry by twos 142 
form 142 
duty of rear bearer - H5 
drill, uniform to be worn . 50 
drill 50-55 
foot of , 55 
improvisation of 137-142 
intervals between 83 
in the field carried strapped or closed 83 
loaded to lift or lower 114 
manner of holding the handles 117 
manual of 56-82 
must be kept level 118,119 
prepare to lift, lift 77 
position of patient on 112 
slings 49 
to secure 67 
squad, identical with a set of four, and marched by the same 
commands substituting “litter” for “four.” 51 
to carry, being at the shoulder 62 
ground 64 
up or down stairs 128,129 
to change bearers being at the carry 74 
posts, being at litter posts 72 
in line 73 110 
Litter, to close 68 
to face to the right or left 88 
to form column of, from line 88 
to the front 89 
to ground, being at the carry 63 
to lift and carry hy fours 125,126 
to lower 79 
to inarch with 78,83 98 
to march by the flank in column of 88 
to the rear 90 
without wheeling 91 
to load 101-110 
to lift 77 
to load with reduced numbers 130-132 
to open 66 
to procure 56 
to place on a travois 157 
to resume posts at ' 76 
to return 82 
to stack 60 
to strap 69 
interval between 83 
to transfer patient from, to bed or other litter 135,136 
to unload 133,134 
vertical position 57 
Load, to, the pack animal 196 
Lower patient 109 
M. 
4 
March, at ease 100 
backward 12 
by the flank in column of files 15 
forward 10 
in column of litters to the front 89 
in double time, length of step and cadence 19 111 
March, in line 10 
in line from column of files 16 
to change direction 26-26 
to change the guide 10 
to close and extend with litter 83,84 
to oblique 18 
to pass from quick to double time and reverse 20 
to retake step when lost 11 
to the front in column of fours being in line 29 
to the rear 13,32,36,37 
to the rear with litter , 90 
to the rear with litter without wheeling 91 
with litter 83-93 
Medical officer commanding, posts of 3,24,175 
officers above the rank of captain, posts of 3,175 
junior, posts of 3,175,180 
Mess tent 190 
Method of lifting and lowering by one bearer 143-149 
two bearers 1 150-153 
three bearers 130 
removing wounded without litters 143-153 
Movement improperly begun 8 
Muster 184 
N 
Noncommissioned officer in charge 3,175 
posts of 3 
No. 1 squad leader 52 
O. 
Obstacles, to pass 121-127 
Oblique to 18 
to in column of four 31 
Officers absent 3 
posts of I 3 112 
On right (or left) into line, march 34 
Open litter from the carry or close 66 
pouches 178 
ranks 175 
Order litter 58 
P. 
Pack animal 194 
equipment 194 
seats, ambulance 164 
Packing 194 
Parade rest, U. S. Infantry tactics 46 
Patient carried feet foremost, exceptions 120 
position on the litter 112 
to lift, bearers rise 110 
to lift 108 
Positions of medical officer, Hospital Corps detachment and ambu- 
lances on the march 200 
Posts at ambulance 162 
at litter, to resume , 76 
at patient, to take 103,107 
of officers and noncommissioned officers 3 
Pouch, hospital corps 174,178,198 
medical officer's orderly’s 197 
Prepare seats, ambulance : 163,165 
Procure litters ! 56 
Q- 
Quick time 9,20 
R. 
Ranks, to close 180 
to open 175 
Rank, to form , 70 113 
Bear, to march to the 13 
Reduced number of bearers, to work with 52 
Rests, the 44 
Removing wounded without litter 143-153 
Return knives 177 
Return sword and saber 176 
Right (or left) front into line, march 35 
Right foward fours (or litters) right, march 29,89 
Rifle seat 152,153 
Rise 110 
Route step 99 
s. 
Sabers, noncommissioned officers’ 6,176,184 
Saddle, to dismount a patient from 155 
to mount a patient on 154 
to, the pack animal 195 
Salutes Note, (p. 8).. 176 
Search for wounded, march 106 
Seats, to pack ambulance 164 
to prepare ambulance 163,165 
Section, consists of 92 
close march 95 
extend march 96 
to form column of, from column of litters 98 
line 93-94 
of litters from column of 97 
Shoulder (litter) slings 49 
Shoulder litter from the carry 65 
order 59 
Side step to 14 
Slings, to secure 67 
Squad leader, No. 1 _ 52,53 Squad tent —- 190 
litter, identical with a set of four 51 
Stack litters 60 
Stairs, to carry litter up or down 128,129 
Strapped litter 54 
Strike, to, a tent : 192 
Substitutes in bearer drill : 52 
Swords, officers’ 6,100 
T. 
Take litter, from stack litter 61 
post to load ambulance 166 
litter 102 
Tent, common 189 
conical wall, to pitch 191 
hospital, to pitch 186-188 
wall 189 
to strike 192 
To carry a litter up or down stairs 128,129 
To carry by the extremities 151 
To cease drilling 111 
To close ranks 180 
To lift and lower by one bearer 143-149 
To transfer patient from litter to bed or another litter 135,136 
To the rear march 91 
Travois 157 
its improvisation 157 
to assemble the 157 
to harness the 157 
to place a litter on the 157 
Turn and halt 21,86 
advance 22, s7 
Two-handed seat 134,150 
Twos, column of 38' 115 
u. 
Unsling knapsack .... 179 
Uniform, at bearer drills ..... .... SO 
V. 
Vertical position of litter at the shoulder 57 
W. 
Wagons, ordinary, for use of wounded 173 
Wall tent 189 
Wheeling by litter 86-89