New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-09
CAREERS FOR THE COMING MEN
PRACTICAL AND AUTHORITATIVE DISCUSSIONS PRO
FESSIONS AND CALLINGS OPEN TO YOUNG AMERICANS
THE ARMY.



Comparatively few Of the young men OF our
rountry know much about life in our regular
amy, or concerning the attractions the army
oFers 70 them 70 take service in il as career
That this should be so is not surprising. for UNI
Ill recent years the major part Of the small
army was stationed in remote parts of the coun-
ty. or lost in our millions Of people. Beyond
alocaI knowledge OF il at its stations. the coun-
~ at large only saw small units OF the army
81 occasional parades. or read of il when writers
and artists. whom chance had thrown with IT,
devoted their talents 10 portraying and pictur-
ing some Of its phases. IN Indian campaigns
and other disturbances the army's worth was
often shown but with the passing Of such incl
dents the public attention that had been at
tracted quickly gave way 10 interests nearer
AZ hand Although the stirring events Of the
spanish-American War and the Philippine in
surrection which followed greatly increased
public interest IN the army. and added 10 the
country's knowledge Of it. as well as TO its af-
fiction for IT, still the particulars Of its service
are not widely known. I am. therefore accept
ing the invitation 10 place before the readers OF
The Tribune Review, as concisely as practica-
be. some Of the advantages the army has to
offer young men in search of a career.
First a few words about the character Of the
men who make up the army's rank and file.
When the regular regiments had assembled at
chicksmauga Park before setting out for the
Santiago campaign. a very observant and criti-
cal foreign military attache who was closely
watching everything pertaining 10 the army's
movements said 10 me in speaking OF sol
tsTs: What a superb lot of men: where in the
world did your army get them?" The men he
saw were modest. intelligent. efficient, self-re-
liant. self-respecting soldiers, fine examples of
physical manhood. The attaches adjective ex-
pressed well his admiration for them, and that
the judgment he passed was good was amply
shown by the events which shortly followed.
Those soldiers We're the combined product OF
The considerable and wise discipline that had
prevailed in our army; Of the superior physical
and professional training il gave its soldiers,
and its careful recruiting methods. under which
the antecedents of every man enlisted had TO
be known, while only a small percentage Of
those who applied for service were received.
With our increased army Of to-day Of nearly
sixty thousand men and }, 400 officers, the same
methods Of recruiting obtain. the same training
IS given and the same wise discipline is
forced. Any man taking service in the army.
therefore. can rely upon finding in its ranks
Eef-respecting comrades whom he will be glad
70 know, and with whom he VIII find IL pleas
uFe 10 serve.
The army is composed principally Of infantry.
cavalry, light artillery. coast artillery and
gneer soldiers. Each of these branches or
arms Of the service has its grades. from that Of
private soldier through non-commissioned OFF,
Ger and commissioned officer to that Of colonel
u all The arms the three first mentioned offer
probably 10 the young soldier most in the way
o. active and varied service. The cavalrymen
and the light artilerymen ride. so these arms
are best for men who have a fohdness for and a
knowledge Of horses
Ie enlist in the sslay a man must be between
me ages Of tWenty-one and thirty-ive years
ne must be unmarried. Of good character and
habits. able bodied and free from disease. lie
must also be a citizen of the United States or
nave made legal declaration of his intention TO
become citizen, and must be able 10 speak.
read and write the English language The term
service is three years. At its expiration the
soldier who has served faithfully is honorably
0schaTged. and receives travel pay ample to
larry HIM the place where he enlisted.
For the private soldier the army offers steady
1aa continuous employment at good wages.
eAen these. with his other allowances are COM
pared with what is received by men in many
walks OF civil life. The soldier is paid S13 a
Iohth for the first two years, S14 month for
s tnlrd year. SIS month for the fourth
gar and after five years he receives
p month. Still further increases OF
~ are given for each five years Of con-
N~eors service thereafter. In addition 10 this
~ ne receives a bountiful daily ration, an
pe clothing allowance. bedding, medicines
W medical attendance when sick, also fuel,
eH@ ana other needed supplies-in fact all the
ssssaTy living expenses Of the soldier during
service are betrayed by the government. On
completion Of thirty years service all en-
sa men have the right Of retirement from
1--we service, and thereafter are paid monthly
es-iourths Of their pay, together with the
Ay value OF the allowances TO which they
-s entitled at the date OF retirement The
1er Is then under no further duty obliga-
wishes W ~ WI "
-'Vh-commissioned officers receive the same
s-sfa allowances of clothing and other sup
80 80 as do privates. but greater pay ranging
c 'l slS 10 $40 month in the higher grades
- conduct attention 10 duty and soldierly
Ing are certain 10 bring 20 every prlEa''
'sf the regard and affection OF his oilcer'
- promotion TO the nOn-cOmmissioneo oiiicei
- In this grade many soldiers make th'
49, Their life profession, especially nof-oOii
,,setohee star officers who rarely leave UNI
have gained the right OF retirement
government also provides other 'houee