Liber III, Pars III — Quod in opere bellico nimium valet exercitatio armorum, et quod ad incendendum gradatim, et passim, et ad cursum, et saltum exercitandi sunt bellatores. Cap. VI.

Liber III, Pars III — Quod in opere bellico nimium valet exercitatio armorum, et quod ad incendendum gradatim, et passim, et ad cursum, et saltum exercitandi sunt bellatores. Cap. VI.

Vegetius states in his book On Military Matters that the training of arms and the skill of warfare were the things that brought the Roman people under the control of the world. Now, it remains to show how soldiers should be trained to march gradually, in formation, and to run and jump. For soldiers, both infantry and all who fight, must be accustomed to the military step and pace so that they can advance in formation, each maintaining their place. If the line of either infantry or soldiers does not march in an orderly fashion, two problems will arise from this. For if the proper order is not maintained, one part of the line will be scattered and open beyond what it should be. In another part, however, it will be too tight and cramped, more than necessary. Therefore, because one part is open, it will be pierced more quickly by the enemy and consequently defeated. Secondly, in the part that is too cramped, it will be hindered from striking. It is clear that the training of arms is useful for military operations; now it remains to show how soldiers should be trained to march gradually, and in various ways, as well as to run and leap. For these things (as will be evident in the discussion) are necessary in warfare: and lack of training is harmful to those engaged in battle. First, soldiers, including infantry, and generally all those engaged in battle, must be accustomed to the pace and step of warfare, so that they may proceed gradually and that each one may maintain their position. For if the line of battle, whether of infantry or cavalry, does not advance in an orderly manner, two evils will follow from this. For if the proper order is not maintained, the line will be scattered and vulnerable in one part more than it should be. In another situation, however, it will be too tight and constricted, more than is necessary. Therefore, if any part is left exposed, it will be pierced more quickly by the enemy, and consequently defeated. Secondly, in that part where it is too tight, it will be hindered from striking. For when a warrior is too tightly pressed by his companion, his arms are hindered, so he cannot inflict blows on the enemy. These two things are necessary in battle: so that one cannot easily be pierced by the enemy, and so that one is not hindered from striking. This cannot happen unless the proper rank is maintained and the proper order is kept in the march. Therefore, both foot soldiers and cavalry must often gather together before engaging in battle, and they must train so that they can march in an orderly fashion while burdened with arms, as if they were about to commit to combat. And when the master of the battle sees someone not maintaining the proper order in the line, he should reprimand and correct him; or if he misbehaves too much, he should completely drive him away from the line as an useless warrior. Secondly, warriors, both foot soldiers and cavalry, should be trained for running, so that they are capable of leading the charge. For this seems to be valuable for three reasons. First, to explore the actions of the enemy. It's good for some lighter troops to scout ahead in the army, so they can't easily be caught by the enemy, while they explore the conditions and actions of the enemy. Secondly, this is useful for gaining a better position. For the location greatly influences the battle. Therefore, if the soldiers are trained to run, they'll more easily secure a better position for fighting. This is also useful for pursuing fleeing enemies. For no one can easily escape the hands of the agile and those who scout ahead. Thirdly, soldiers should be trained to jump, so they can leap or move over obstacles. This is also useful for three reasons. First, it's important to remove obstacles. Second, it's useful for intimidating the enemy. Third, it's necessary to inflict greater blows. Sometimes, it's possible to find ditches and other obstacles in the way that cannot be crossed without jumping. Therefore, it's useful to remove obstacles so that the cavalry can be trained to know how to strike with their horses, to leap over ditches and other obstacles: and the infantry, as well as the soldiers, if they happen to be foot soldiers, if they want to be good warriors, should be trained from their youth to jump so they can leap over ditches and other obstacles. The enemies are also frightened by this when they see the soldiers leaping over. Moreover, the very act of jumping creates a greater impact when a blow is struck.