The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1912-05-18
U.S.. AERIAL Army
PLANS NOW STUDY
COAST DEFENSE STATIONS, col
oNlES AND CANAL TO BE
PROVIDED WITH
AERoPLANEs.

N"ShhiSNoi, Md9 -NDfnpTtnen-
siVe and spectacular plans for the
organization Of great aerial army
powerful enough 10 defend the entire
coast line of the United States. the
Philippines, Hawaii and Panama are
now complete In the department of
war. Under the direction of the
signal corps an entirely new arm of
the service will be Immediately or
Panized, provided congress gives its
consent
Following the system Of aerial de.
Tense perfected by France and Ger
many, the plan provides fleets OF
aerOplanes for no fewer than four
teen groups Of coast defense stations
along the Atlantic and Pacific from
which they will speed TO sea at the
first appearance OF hostile ships and
sendeavor TO destroy them before they
arrive within range of the forts.
, Two squadrons OF aeroplanes VIII
be stationed in the Philippines, to
destroy any enemy endeavoiing 10
effect a landing there.
Precautions at Cana.
One squadron will supplement ar.
tillery for ;he defense of the Pana-
ma canal. Powerful forts top the
high hills at the Pacific end of the
canal. The tips of these hills, being
sliced off, form n plateau which will
make an ideal starting and landing
stage.
The naval base now being completed
at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. will also be
equipped with a squadron of aero
planes.
In addition TO coast defense and the
defense of the island possessions, the
plan comprehends the organization of
at least three aerial squadrons of
troops in the regular army and a
squadron OF extra powerful Eacnines
for long distance reconnaissance in
connection with each general army
corps that may take the field AL
number of specialized machines are
provided for use with the field artil
lery.
Extending the new arm of the SER
vice TO the militia. one squadron of
aeroplanes is planned for each divi-
sion of state troops, with an addition
al squadron for operation under di-
rection of the general commanding
every corps.
Five Training Schools.
At present only ten officers in the |
regular army are trained to operate
To provide capable
force 1t is planned to establish FIVE
great straining schools-one ON the
Atlantic coast. another along the
Pacific, a third on the Gulf and stlll |
another ON the Great Lakes. The re-
school will be established at |
a central location not yet fixed.
AS many auxiliary aviation centers
as possible will also be organized
Anticipating the necessity for an
new body of officers and SOL
diers for this new arm of the service !
IL bill was submitted by Secretary
Stimson to the military committee of
the house on March Ia.
AS "a preliminary organization IT !
provides for two colonies. two lieu.
tonant-colonels, six majors, thirty |
captains, thirty first lieutenants and |
thirty second lieutenants
AS the organization progresses an
additional request will DE made for |
Dne colonel one lieutenant colonel. |
three majors, fifteen captains. fifteen
First lieutenants, fifteen second lieu
tenants and 500 enlisted men.
Pay Will Be Greater.
The war department recognizes that |
the new arm of the services Will be
far more dangerous than the cavalry II
or infantry arms. as dis
arrangement or a break In the ma
'hinery or Il chance shot striking any II
part of an aeroplane will doubtless
nean death to the crew.
AS an inducement for men to en-
er it 20 per cent more pay is offered
han i'm any other arm. II any mem
Der of the corps is killed in the SER
iice his widow or his children wiz II
eceive his entire pay for six months
N addition IN "A narmnnant paneion