# Jean Martinet

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For the Swiss cyclist, see [Jean Martinet (cyclist)](/source/Jean_Martinet_(cyclist)).

**Jean Martinet** (d. 1672) was a [French](/source/Early_modern_France) [lieutenant colonel](/source/Lieutenant_colonel) and Inspector General from 1667 to 1672,[1] and one of the first great [drill masters](/source/Drill_instructor) of modern times. Martinet served during the reign of [Louis XIV](/source/Louis_XIV), helping to instill discipline in the aftermath of the [30 Years War](/source/30_Years_War) and the [Franco-Spanish War](/source/Franco-Spanish_War_(1635%E2%80%931659)). He was active during the [War of Devolution](/source/War_of_Devolution) under the command of the [Secretary of State for War](/source/Secretary_of_State_for_War_(France)), [François-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois](/source/Fran%C3%A7ois-Michel_le_Tellier,_Marquis_de_Louvois) He was a severe drillmaster, which made him unpopular among his troops, and "vigorously imposed discipline on both men and officers: henceforward the latter had to obey commands given to them by superior officers regardless of their own social status."[2] Martinet revolutionized the early modern army by instituting a standardized system capable of turning raw recruits into a disciplined fighting force, thereby eliminating the [mercenaries](/source/Mercenaries), who had been the mainstays of earlier armies. He also introduced the [bayonet](/source/Bayonet) and the [depot](/source/Military_base) system into the French army, which put a stop to the army feeding off the enemy land, making war more humane and effective. The English word *[martinet](/source/Martinet)* derives from the general's last name.

Historical records say that Martinet was eventually killed by friendly fire at the beginning of [Franco-Dutch War](/source/Franco-Dutch_War) while leading an infantry assault at the siege of [Duisburg](/source/Duisburg).[3][4]

## Notes

1. Hickman, David (2016). *The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643-1715 A/AS Level History for AQA Student Book*. Cambridge University Press. p. 69.

1. Van Nimwinger, Olaf (2010). *European Warfare: 1350-1750*. Tallett, Frank & Trim, D.J.B. (eds.). New York: Cambridge University Press. p. 172. ISBN 978-0-521-71389-4.

1. Encyclopædia Britannica (1926). Volumes 17-18. The Encyclopædia Britannica company, ltd., p. 800

1. Martinet - encyclopedia. (n.d.). [https://theodora.com/encyclopedia/m/martinet.html#:~:text=Martinet%20seems%20also%20to%20have,while%20leading%20the%20infantry%20assault](https://theodora.com/encyclopedia/m/martinet.html#:~:text=Martinet%20seems%20also%20to%20have,while%20leading%20the%20infantry%20assault).

## External links

- [Article on Jean Martinet](http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1414460)
- [Etymology](http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=8&q=martinet) of the word martinet on Dictionary.com

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