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Kit inspection was a significant episode in military training from the late 19th century onwards.
The “new recruit” had to learn to arrange the items in his kit bundle in an orderly fashion so as to be able to keep them in good working order. The aim was to encourage individuals from very different walks of life to adopt uniform working practices. These regular inspections were infamous, as they resulted in numerous punishments for those who, due to lack of concentration or time, had neglected particular details. They were also the occasion for more experienced soldiers to pass on their help and advice to the young recruits, and as such are representative of the oral tradition of military instruction.

Instructional handkerchief n°8 : Kit inspection © Paris, musée de l’Armée