author
James A. (James Alfred) Moss
1872–1941
Best known for practical military handbooks that trained generations of U.S. soldiers, this career Army officer wrote in a clear, useful style shaped by real service. His books became standard references on drills, tactics, and army procedure in the early 20th century.
1 Audiobook
Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition
by James A. (James Alfred) Moss
About the author
Born in 1872, James A. Moss was a United States Army officer as well as a prolific military writer. Library and catalog records identify him as James Alfred Moss and credit him with widely used works including Officers' Manual, Privates' Manual, Noncommissioned Officers' Manual, and Manual of Military Training.
His army career also left a historical footprint beyond publishing. Records connected with the 367th Infantry name him as its commanding officer during World War I, and later accounts of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps place Lieutenant James A. Moss in charge of that well-known experiment in military cycling.
What makes his work stand out today is its practical purpose. Rather than writing abstract theory, he produced handbooks meant to be carried, consulted, and used by officers and enlisted men in everyday service, which helps explain why his books remained visible in major library collections long after their first publication.