The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1912-09-27
MEN WANTED
FOR THE NAVY
NO LONGER EASY TO KEEP THE
NAVY RECRUITED UP TO ITS
FULL STRENGTH.

Washington, September 26.-With
a maximum complement of approx
imatelv $1,000 men, it is no longer
an easy matter to keep the navy
recruited up to its full strength at
all times. Congress at its last session
authorized an increase of 1000 to
the enlisted force. which increase the
navy department Is expected to OBJ
tain by the end of the current fis-
cal year There is at present a
shortage of about 800 men, includ-
ing the increase recently allowed.
But that does not by any means
represent the entire needs OF the
recruiting service. The term of en-
lstment is four years, and If every
man served out his full term there
would be more than 10000 men go
ing out each year. Not all remain
their entire four years-many being
discharged for various causes, some
promoted and others desert. 1t thus
happens that in order to fill the COM
plement by the end of next June
there must be enlisted and re-enlist-
ed in the meantime approximately
10000 men.
np1iotrpnnt
very rigid, and the standards fixed
for the naval service, which have
been steadily raised in recent years,
are strictly adhered to. An average
Of less than 20 per cent OF the men
who apply for enlistment at the re-
cruiting stations are accepted. 1t
will, therefore, be necessary during
this fiscal year to interest about
100000 able bodied young Americans
in the naval service.
Various methods are used in bring
ing the advantages OF the navy to
the attention OF the young men OF
the country. These methods have
been adopted after numerous investi-
cations to determine what influences
are most effective. Recruits are ask
ed series OF questions as to what
induced them to join the navy, and
these answers are tabulated from
time to time, affording much valuable
information in selecting publicity
methods and media. 1t has been
shown that the most potent factors
in attracting the attention of the
young men are the classified adver-
tisements in the want columns OF
the newspapers, display advertise
tents in popular magazines; billpost-
ers, postoffice hangers and circular
letters.
The circular letters are issued from
two publicity stations, one at New
York City and the other at Indian
apolis. These stations are fully
rouipped with up-to date methods for
printing, folding and mailing letters
and other literature on larger
scale. The mailing list is kept sup
piled BY advertising, by postmasters
Of the country and by the enlisted
men themselves, who are anxious to
see their old time friends enlist.
It has been found that among many
reasons which men give for joining
the navy the desire to see the world
and travel is always uppermost.
That is but natural when 1t is re-
membered that most of the appli-
cants are under twenty-one years
old. However, more serious motives
prevail, and only to a slightly less
extent. A great many give as reas-
on the opportunities to learn trade
and a chance to better themselves by
the wholesome living in the service,
the discipline and regular habits re-
puired. The desire TO obtain steady
employment also influences many.
There is no doubt that the navy
offers a young man man superior ad-
vantages. particularly If he has not
the good fortune to be able to ac-
quire a mechanical or professional |
education. The navy supplies that