Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1872 [PAGE 52]

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48 SCHOOL OF MILITAEY SCIENCE. The teaching of military tactics is required of the University both by the law of Congress and by the State law. No complete course of related studies has yet been adopted, as the aim of the school is not to make professional soldiers, but simply to teach to all students the tactics, and to such as desire it, the leading principles of military science. The apparatus of instruction includes the drill hall, 124 x 75 feet, 350 rifle muskets, ranged in racks around the hall, cavalry swords, fencing swords and muskets, an armory with a growing collection of arms, models of arms and projectiles for the purpose of practical instruction. The library includes quite a number of books on military science, military history and engineering. For the present the course is confined to two years instruction, until further facilities and teaching force can be obtained. The trustees have adopted the rule, that all students shall, unless excused for sufficient cause, take part in military exercise, as aggregation of numbers is a paramount necessity to render such instruction effective. The instruction in this department will be given in two sub-divisions, arranged as follows: 1. Practical instruction in military tactics (for the present confined to the infantry arm), to all able-bodied students of the University, comprising the following branches: Manual of arms ; squad and company drill; bayonet exercise; skirmish drill; battalion drill; guard and picket duty; evolutions of the brigade; target practice. The exercises are confined to three hours' drill and instruction per week. 2. Military Science. There will be taught a class in military science and art, as far as it is necessary for duties as officers of the line. Students will be admitted into this class after having participated at least two terms in the geneal military exercises, and shown such proficiency and ability as may secure a utilization of the instruction thus received The instruction, theoretical and practical, is to occupy not to exceed five hours each week, and is so arranged as not to interfere with any courses of study, making it possible for the member of any other course to engage in it as an optional study. The members of this class will officer the companies, and act as drill sergeants and instructors for the lower classes.

FIRST TEAR.—First Term.—School of the Company; bayonet fencing. Second Term.—Battalion and skirmish drill; bayonet fencing. Third Term.—Brigade and division evolutions; target practice and theoretical instruction on fire arms.