Post by kfrank on Nov 22, 2018 21:58:17 GMT -5
This thread will be a series of links to online or pdf versions of various period field manuals (FM series) that are relevant to the basic paratrooper impression. Many of these can also be found in their original, hard-copy form on Ebay or other online sites and at local surplus stores. These electronic versions, though, provide a readily accessible reference available to all to conduct their own study and research into doing things the correct 1942-1945 way.
Note: Field Manuals are often the "official" army way of doing things and were the basis for instruction. How things were actually done once the paratroops went into combat is a slightly different discussion in some cases.
The first and foundational field manual of ALL soldiers was FM21-100 Soldier's Handbook. This was a basic training manual for newly inducted soldiers to provide the basics of being a soldier. Basic discipline and courtesy, insignia, clothing, basic drill (with and without arms) are all covered in this field manual.
www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref/FM/PDFs/FM21-100.pdf
Note: Field Manuals are often the "official" army way of doing things and were the basis for instruction. How things were actually done once the paratroops went into combat is a slightly different discussion in some cases.
The first and foundational field manual of ALL soldiers was FM21-100 Soldier's Handbook. This was a basic training manual for newly inducted soldiers to provide the basics of being a soldier. Basic discipline and courtesy, insignia, clothing, basic drill (with and without arms) are all covered in this field manual.
www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/ref/FM/PDFs/FM21-100.pdf