Baron Steuben's Inspector General Analysis
”The Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States”, is arguably the single most important military doctrine ever created. There have been many important manuals and regulations written since its creation, but none with as much impact and significance. Baron Von Steuben wrote “The Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States”. Von Steuben volunteered for service in the Continental army at the perfect time. The current Inspector General for the army was drastically failing at his duties; the Soldiers and army as a whole were suffering from his failings. Von Steuben, a former Prussian officer with immense staff experience was just the man to replace the current Inspector General
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Von Steuben also altered the manner in which the army set up camp. Soldiers were cleaning and cooking the days kill in the middle of camp, tossing the remains to the side without thought. Soldiers would relieve themselves wherever they saw fit to do so. These two practices alone led to an uncomfortable, smelly and dangerous environment for the Soldiers to camp. Von Steuben devised a plan for the keep to meet a specific layout. The officer’s quarters, enlisted, kitchen and latrines were all designated a specific layout to maintain a more disciplined and sanitary camp. The improvements were well received, the structure improved moral and aided in the separation and authority of ranks. General Washington recommended Baron Von Steuben to serve as Inspector General on April 30, and approved by Congress May 5, 1778. Steuben created the “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States” during the winter of 1778-1779. The “Blue Book” as it was commonly called due to the color of the cover, was a combination of the various training programs Von Steuben had created and put into practice. The Blue Book was instrumental in the function of the army for the next three decades. The effects of this one manual is still evident in the training methodology of the modern
Von Steuben also altered the manner in which the army set up camp. Soldiers were cleaning and cooking the days kill in the middle of camp, tossing the remains to the side without thought. Soldiers would relieve themselves wherever they saw fit to do so. These two practices alone led to an uncomfortable, smelly and dangerous environment for the Soldiers to camp. Von Steuben devised a plan for the keep to meet a specific layout. The officer’s quarters, enlisted, kitchen and latrines were all designated a specific layout to maintain a more disciplined and sanitary camp. The improvements were well received, the structure improved moral and aided in the separation and authority of ranks. General Washington recommended Baron Von Steuben to serve as Inspector General on April 30, and approved by Congress May 5, 1778. Steuben created the “Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States” during the winter of 1778-1779. The “Blue Book” as it was commonly called due to the color of the cover, was a combination of the various training programs Von Steuben had created and put into practice. The Blue Book was instrumental in the function of the army for the next three decades. The effects of this one manual is still evident in the training methodology of the modern