The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-04
CHANCE FOR YOUNG men
ENLIsTING IN THE ARMY To SECURE
COMMISSION.
Every Opportunity Given To the Ann
bilious Recruit-GOOd Pay While
Going Through the school.
Chaplain II. A Brown. u. S. A. in New
York Herald.

Chaplain H.. A Brown. U. S. A. In New
York Herald.
Generally an appointment 10 a cadetship
at West Point is regarded as one of the
most coveted prizes within the grasp of an
American boy. The number OF appoint
ments, however. allowed by law 10 each
congressional district is so limited ard
they are so eagerly sought for by inluen-
tial parents in behalf of their sons that
very few boys ever look upon a commits
sion in the army as a possibility.
Now. it is TO shrewd. healthy. intelligent
boys that I wish TO suggest an idea-an
idea that is being realized every year-an
idea that 1 have personally suggested TO a
number OF this class some Of whom are to-
day wearing shoulder straps, and others
who certain to wear them soon. 1t is
an idea that should be an incentive 10
many poor vet capable boys, because IL
does not depend for its realization upon
wealth, social position or political influence,
but wholly and solely upon the boy him
self.
Why not enlist for a commission?
This is opportunity OF which many
perhaps have never even heard. Yet never
were the chances of success better than to-
day. The young man who enlists with this
end in view and passes the examination at
the end OF two years or longer Is practi-
cally as certain to receive commission as
the boy who enters West Point. The only
reason why more young men do not enter
the army with this as their object Is be-
cause the possibility OF such a course is
ter known l wish to explain the method
adopted by our government
Granting that young man wishes to Sc
cure a commission in the army, there are
three roads open to him
First-Via West Point. This is practical
ly limited to few fortunate ones. and,
Judging by the large percentage Of cadets
who fall by the way. n is becoming more
difficult 10 travel every year.
Second-Appointment by the President
from civil life. This should term the most
dif1cult or the three, because II requires IN
fiuence 10 secure the appointment, and the
candidate must also be able 10 pass just as
difficult an examination as By either OF the
other methods OF entrance. and this without
any such practical knowledge as a gained
either al West Point or I'm the ranks unless
he be a graduate OF some hrst-class military
academy. Then, even though he succeeds
in passing. position will be open TO him
until the graduates OF West Point and those
who have passed the examination in the
ranks have first been provided for.
Third-The road suggested in this article,
viz, via the ranks. This Is the route trav-
eled by many OF the very best known and
most honored officers in the army to-day.
A civilian examining the official army
register would be amazed at the large num-
Der of prominent men OF the army. both
past and present who began their military
names such as Lawton. Chaffee, Greedy,
Schwan, Wheaton and scores OF others.
To enter the ranks for commission the
government requires that a young man be
physically sound, unmarried and OF good
moral character. Without these he cannot
enter the race. Again, unless he possesses
a good high school education or its equiva-
lent he Will find II difficult, though not i'm
possible, TO master the subject he Is re-
quired to understand before receiving his
commission.
Should Ere candidate oosseSs the reoufsits
physical moral and intellectual qualifica-
tions he may take this examination at the
end OF two years service. On tho other
hand should he need further study and
preparation he may prolong the time until
he is thirty years old. During this period
he has abundant time and opportunity 10
prepare. Not only this. but he will find the
officers ready and willing TO assist him In
every possible way.
During his period Of service as a private
the candidate receives his food. clothing.
quarters. medical attendance and Sl3 in
cash per me 1th Considering that he 10
practically attending school. this IL not an
Insignificant compensation. IL proficient
and soldierlv he is virtually certain OF
speedy promotion 10 the rank OF corporal.
and later 10 that OF sergeant. This gives
him not only added opportunity for study.
but an increase OF 8 and s. a month. re-
spectively.
The time Of preparation spent by n can
didate as a soldier In the ranks Is the most
valuable military schooling he can possibly
receive. because he is brought face &c face
with the actual conditions OF army life.
Many persons unacquainted with the reg
ular army likely 20 consider service IN
the ranks as more or less menial humliat-
ing and even pernicious 10 morals. The
fact that so many illustuous men began
their military life as privates. and also that
so many sons OF officers are now IN the
ranks. with commissions in view, ought 10
be sufficient answer 10 this objection. The
army Is by no means composed OF irrespon-
sible or dissolute young men.
That bad men creep into the service -
not 10 be denied. but I take IL that young
man OF sufficient energy and ambition 10
enter the ranks for = commission Il pos
sessed OF sufficient strength OF character
10 prevent his seeking out such companion
ship. Furthermore. / am neither speaking
OF nor advising the work or a private sol
der as a life profession. but OF this as
temporary means 20 n definite end.
That the army Is In need OF officers. and
will be for some years 20 come, FAR IN ex-
cess OF the number OF graduates OF West
Point, a. plainly evident and that there Is
a magnificent opportunity for young men
OF ability 10 secure commissions by enlist
ment IN the ranks is beyond any question
Why not enlist for q commisstons