The Washington herald., 1911-01-04

Summated Tor eStabllShlng at WaSnlnS-
ton the first active station of the United
States Aeronautical Reserve, where in
struction will be given in handling mono-
planes and biplanes, and in the general
science of military aeronautics.
Through the efforts of Commodore
John Barry Ryan, organizer and head
of the United States Aeronautical Re-
serve, this country will within ~ next
twelve months have an aerial navy of at
least fifty aeroplanes, whose owners
and pilots have pledged themselves to
offer their services in case of war.
The first aeroplane of the aerial fleet
will be sent TO Washington, either to
College--Park or to a point along the
river front, where advantage can be
taken of aerial maneuvers over land
and water. The machine will be oper-
ated by an officer of the reserve. who
will be selected for his special aptitude
for giving instruction in aerial naviga-
tion as we'll as in the military training
necessary to a successful air scout.
Camps of Institution.
At the Washington station and the
various other camps of instruction
where aeroplanes are placed in commits
sion it is purposed to train such MEM
bers as qualify. In this way it is pur-
posed to gradually provide a large num-
ber of experienced airmen, who will be
ready to drive aeroplanes for military
purposes in case the country has need of
their services.
At the same time it is planned to train
another class of men as ScocutS. who will
be equipped to make the proper observa-
uonS and to draw military maps while
flying as passengers with the aviators.
Still another class are to be trained as
markSmen, in order to defend the pilot
and the. scout from any opposing aerial
fleet.
In addition to the training of the va
riouS classes of reserve aerial SOldiery
it is intended to carry on many expert
ments at the different stations. which
number fifty. The sharpshoters and the
aviators are to be trained in hurting
bombs and other projectiles at targets
on the ground. These maneuvers will
be conducted at various heights.
All kinds of air guns and mechanisms
to discharge the projectils will be ex-
perimented with. Gen. Leonard Wood,
chief of the general staff of the United
States army and Admiral Dewey both
of whom are members of the reserve,
are personally interested in the work
They have provided officers who will CO.
operate in directing the activities of the
various stations.
On the coasts ii is purpoSed to carry on
experiments over craft in the water The
sharpshooters are to acquire skill in at
tacking ships. At all stations extensive
trials will be made of the ability of the
couts to send wireless messages from
the craft speeding in the aid to the per-
manent bases below.
The members of the reserve will also be
trained in assembling aeroplanes in quick
time, and will be competent to make re-
pairse of every part that may be broken. !
dcred by the officers of the army and ;
navy. many of whom are enthusiastic |
members Of the United States Aeronau-
teal Reserve. Washington is the logical
place in which to make thc initial expert
ments in military aerona utics, declared
Maj. Charles J. Fox, N G. ID. c.. who is
captain of the Washington station of the
United States Aeronautical Reserve.
Members Of the local station of the re-
serve will. within a short time, have
ample opportunity to experiment with
both monoplanes and bplanes.
Experienced Jmateur Here.
Mr.. a. l.. Welsfk one of the Wright
avators, who is now in Washington. was
recently appointed a lieutenant of the
reserve. and he is one of several expert !
instruction in aerial navigation. OF |
the reserve emphasizes especially
the military features of aerona utcs and |
with the assistance of the officers of the
army, navy, and the National Guard, it
is hoped that at least a tentative scheme
Of aerial tactics will be worked out be-
fore the army maneuvers take place
next summer.
The United States AeronauticaI Re-
serve will probably have machines in all
the maneuver camps of the regular army
and National Guard next summer and
also at whatever exercises are co2ducted
by the navy.
The idea OF the reserve is to encourage
aeronautics and every member
OF 1t, from Cabinet officers to mechanics.
are working to prepare this country for
any aerial conflicts which the next war
would inevitably force upon it,
Il do not know whether the aerial
maneuver ground around Washington
will be at College Park or along the
river front. Commodore Ryan. in con-
with Brig Gen. Allen, of the
army, and Capt. Chambers, of the navy,
VIII decide that. At all events, WASH /
inston will have the ideal station of the
from military point of view.
The active work of the reserve will
begin early in the spriny"