Basic Training Syllabus; 1942

The Standard Syllabus for Basic Training, 1942

The Object of Basic Training

1.     To give a thorough grounding and practice in subjects which are required basically, of soldiers in each branch of the Canadian Army.

2.     To have each man reach such a standard that his time in a Special to Arms Training (SAT) centre may be devoted entirely to:

(a)     Exercise, rather than instruction, in elementary subjects already taught;

(b)     Building upon this base the knowledge particular to the branch of the Service to which the man belongs.

3.     To establish a sound mental and physical base upon which to build a fighting soldier.

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The syllabus is based on a 45-minute period, a 9-period or 6 ½-hour training day and a 5 ½-day week.

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Training must develop in all ranks the confidence that they cam "hand it out" harder and "take it" better than the enemy. To this end all training must be designed to develop a high fighting morale, in other words "fighting fit" and "fit to fight." No outdoor exercises will be cancelled on account of bad conditions, mud, etc. An essential part of training is to learn how to overcome the elements, as well as the enemy.

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Block Standard Syllabus

CodeSubjectTtl PdsStandard Typical Platoon Weekly DistributionTotal
(a)(b)(c)11345678(d)
Training Periods
DDrill, Foot, Arms, Saluting48121253333748
FTPhysical Training and Obstacle Course506666667750
FAFirst Aid1055      10
MMarching23 226445 23
RSAT Rifle27 875322 27
RRSAT Rifle Range Course18   4446 18
R&LASAT AA (Rifle and LMG)10    532 10
BSAT Bayonet10    333110
LSAT Light Machine Gun29  710435 29
GGas Training12 25122  12
FCFieldcraft20    245920
MRMap Reading22  53242622
FTFundamental Training19952111  19
OSOrganized Sports162222222216
SSpare Periods303344443530
 Administrative Periods
RTReception and Transfer189      918
MedMedical (includes dental and inoculations)333454545333
MT"M" tests11       1
PPay4 1 1 1 14
 Periods:—4005050505050505050400
 Hours:— 37 hours and 30 minutes per week.

The Senior Subaltern

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