How did the soldiers train ?

Teachers’ Briefing Notes.

Each group of approximately thirty infantry recruits would complete their basic training in something like six weeks. Presenting these facts to the children once they have read, and absorbed, the information on this worksheet, should lead to a lively class discussion. Consider debates on … was six weeks training long enough to turn the recruits from individual civilians to a cohesive group of infantrymen? … did the recruits really appreciate what they were being trained for? … would their participation in World War I constitute a life-changing experience?