Revolutionary War Drill Manual
Encyclopedia
The Revolutionary War Drill Manual was written by Major General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
in 1778 and 1779, during the American Revolution. Commissioned to train troops at Valley Forge, Steuben formed a model drill company of 100 men, who were to in turn train others, thus causing the new drill procedures to be eventually taught to the entire army. He and published his drill instructions in a manual that was widely distributed throughout the Continental Army.
Originally entitled "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States," it became commonly known as the army's "blue book."
It remained the official U.S. military guide until 1812.
Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben , also referred to as the Baron von Steuben, was a Prussian-born military officer who served as inspector general and Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War...
in 1778 and 1779, during the American Revolution. Commissioned to train troops at Valley Forge, Steuben formed a model drill company of 100 men, who were to in turn train others, thus causing the new drill procedures to be eventually taught to the entire army. He and published his drill instructions in a manual that was widely distributed throughout the Continental Army.
Originally entitled "Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States," it became commonly known as the army's "blue book."
It remained the official U.S. military guide until 1812.