Appreciating the lost art of Field Manuals

[Tukhachevskii]

It seems to have been used in the 40s to 60s (in several countries), probably under the impression of WW2 when many civilians had to be turned into soldiers real quick.

Later examples are rather rare.



edit: Another example, from a book:

http://i26.tinypic.com/t8rcwz.jpg
it reads:
The squad leader
The platoon leader
The company leader

It's incredible how much this simple 50's graphic says.

Forgot to ask...where's the picture from?

[Tukhachevskii]

To me picture 1 is pure Americana; it mixes patriotism and product placement in a picture only the US could get away with; the pictorial representation of the “Warrior spirit” methinks! Hark, is that an eagle I hear? Can I smell apple pie?

Picture 2 from FM 21-6 How to Prepare and Conduct Military Training (1975)
Picture 3 from US Navy SEAL Combat Manual (1974)
Picture 4 from ST 31-180 Special Forces Handbook AKA Poor Man’s James Bond Vol. 4 (1965). Sorry about the poor quality.

[Tukhachevskii]

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[Tukhachevskii]

Rifle is a Woman and Private Jerk both from The Infantry Journal: How to Shoot the U.S. Army Rifle (1943). Compared to most FM's, STs and TMs, written today this is simple, effective, jargon-free and to the point.