Tasks of a Cabo by Clarence Schuler
XVth International Brigade School for Cabos, May 1938; Harry Randall: Fifteenth International Brigade Films and Photographs; ALBA PHOTO 011-1136 (D472);
Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012, New York University Libraries.
The Volunteer for Liberty, V2, No. 25, July 19, 1938
The cabo in the performance of his tasks plays a very important part in the functioning of a military machine. The squad, being the basic unit, must function properly in every way, if the peloton, section, company, etc. , are in turn to function properly.
This is why each squad must be well trained in the knowledge of their arms, how to use and take care of them, must know how to maneuver on the offensive and on the defensive, understanding their role in all formations with respect to the peloton, section, company, etc., as a whole, must know how to advance, formations of combat against enemy infantry, tanks, cavalry, avion, must know how to scout, patrol, etc. What is true of the above is also equally true in regard to fortifications, guards, and all other military problems.
In all these things, each cabo as the responsible for his group, should be a teacher to the other comrades, and an example and discipline in battle and out. In this way the cabo will best be fulfilling his duties by helping to make of every squad a more efficient and effective group, maintaining that unity and cooperation which will serve as a basis for stronger sections, stronger companies, stronger battalions, and a stronger army—that we must ever work together to mold and make more powerful in order to defeat fascism.
