e manner of
preparing the emergency ration are found on the label with each can.
Remember that even a very limited amount of bacon or hard bread, or
both, taken with the emergency ration makes it far more palatable, and
greatly extends the period during which it can be consumed with
relish. For this reason it would be better to husband the supply of
hard bread and bacon to use with the emergency ration when it becomes
evident that the latter must be consumed, rather than to retain the
emergency ration to the last extremity to be used exclusively for a
longer period than two or three days.

CHAPTER XVII

CARE AND PRESERVATION OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

=1276. General.= A soldier's clothing and equipment are issued to him
by his government for certain purposes, and he has, therefore, no
right to be in any way careless or neglectful of them.

The importance that the Government attaches to the proper care and
preservation of the soldier's clothing and equipment, is shown by the
fact that the matter is made the subject of one of the Articles of
War, the 84th, which prescribes that any soldier who, through neglect,
loses or spoils his arms, clothing or accouterments shall suffer such
punishment as a court-martial may direct.

Clothing

=1277.= Every article of clothing in your hands should receive as much
care and attention as you give your person.

Not only will your clothes last longer if properly cared for, but you
will look neater and better dressed, which will add much to your
military appearance.

Every soldier should have an A-1 whisk broom and no article of
clothing should ever be worn without first being thoroughly brushed.

=1278. Pressing.= Occasional pressing helps to preserve and freshen
clothes,--it puts new life into the cloth.

Blue clothing and woolen olive drab when worn regularly should be
pressed about once a week.

In a company where there is an iron for general use there is no reason
why every soldier should not press his own clothes.

=1279. Chevrons and stripes= can be cleaned by moistening a clean
woolen rag with gasoline and rubbing the parts and then pressing with
a hot iron.

=1280. Leggins.= When soiled, leggins must be washed. If the leggins
are allowed to dry without being rung out, they will look better.

=1281. Service hat and the caps= require nothing but brushing.

Shirts, underwear, socks, etc., should be carefully folded and put
away neatly.

=1282. A specia