Military Training of Youths of School Age in Foreign Countries. Bulletin, 1917, No. 25

The matter presented in this circular relates to the military training of youths of school age, conducted either as a part of the regular school work or by independent agencies. Military instruction, of the exact nature and to the same extent as that given to soldiers, is not found in the schools of any country of Europe except the special military schools. Such training is confined everywhere to the period of active service, and no attempt has ever been made to impose upon the school the task of producing fully trained soldiers. In many countries having universal military service, the public schools provide for training boys in such elements of military science as may be conveniently combined with their physical training and at the same time prepare them for the active service awaiting every young man. Following a Letter of Transmittal and an Introduction, this bulletin covers the military training of youths in the following countries: (1) British Empire; (2) France; (3) Germany; (4) Austria-Hungary; (5) Switzerland; (6) Sweden; (7) Norway; (8) Italy; (9) Russia; (10) Netherlands; (11) Greece; (12) Japan; (13) Mexico; (14) Argentina; and (15) Bolivia. The following are appended: (1) Program of Preparatory Military Training in Bavaria; and (2) Program of Preparatory Military Training in Switzerland. A Bibliography is also included. (Contains 11 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]