U.S. Department of Defense
Date of this Version
4-6-1940
Abstract
This circular established the basic structure for publishing training manuals that was used in the US Army for the next 50 years. It simplified the system prescribed in Field Manual FM 21-6, List of Publications for Training, January 2, 1940. Basically, field manuals were to be used to teach principles, and technical manuals were to teach details concerning equipment, procedures, and the like. The circular also prescribed a simple numbering system which was to be used for manuals.
FM 21-6, January 2, 1940, is available online at:
https://permanent.fdlp.gov/gpo120210/1940_01_FM21_6_BasicFieldManualListofTrainingPublications.pdf
The timing for publication of this circular could not have been better because it guided the preparation and publication of numerous manuals during the massive expansion of the army during World War II.