Every soldier, no matter what his rank or role, needed to know how to use his rifle and bayonet. While at Camp Devens, Jay would have received training in the care and use of his rifle. Target practice would have been a regular task.
And the bayonet at the end of a soldier’s rifle could mean life or death to a soldier when he came upon the enemy at close, very close range. This was a face-to-face war and knowing how to use his bayonet could be the difference between coming home alive and being buried in a French grave.
There was training for artillery and calisthenics and classes in engineer equipment and tools, personal hygiene, guard duty, field fortifications.
And, as always…..more marching:
Jay in the Great War 