Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1913-04-28
Statement issued by Secretary
Garrison Relative to Con-
centration of Large Military
Units at Frequent Intervals,
SCATTERED POSTS AN
UNMlTIGATED EVIL
Late Reforms Make Quick Mo-
biIization Possible and Ex-
pefience Gained in Texas
is Worth More Than Cost

10 ~ w ~ WV p f'hhtN
ny Mornlng journal special LEASED wirel
Washington. April EN- state
mcnt tonight Secretary Garrison.
pointing Co the American army scat
TERED in small units throughout the
country impossible of eoalescencc for
practical instruction in the larger tae-
ticul measures hf battle. urged the im-
portance of assembling hrigades and
divisions periodically and temporarily
IN times of peace for war truinine
pending the adoption of q govern
mcnta policy for the adequate dis
trlhution of the army Epitomzins
his ideas. the secretary said.
u hope that war may never come.
but In the present stage of civiliza-
ton we must recognize the possibility
and it b. with this idea In mind that
! say believe IL would Dee well for
the country If our legislators would
mako provision for the annual ns-
semhlng of at least one division as
school wherein our Officers might be
given that practical training which Is
SO necessary to develop educated gen
erals and staff officers. We may not
need a large army. but 1t should be
one which In organization ana train
ing Is as nearly perfect as II is pos-
sihle to make IT, otherwise, what
ever is spent is not bringing its fun
efficient return, ana this applies TO
skill ana training as well as to mon
ey"
Discussing the question of "a future
military policy for the United states,
Secretary Garrison said II seemed 60
be agreed that there were entirely
too many army posts at the present
time and that many of them we're not
where they were useful or desirable
under existing conditions.
whether this situation should be
remedied." he continued. "by concen-
tratlng the army into a few quite
large posts or into only so many az
would permit q regiment at least to
De Quartered i'm each | have not as
vet formed any definite conclusion IN
my own mind Much may be said ef-
feeuvcly upon each side Of this ques-
ton. / hope when ! get the time 20
give this matter my most earnest con
sideration with desire to reach
conclusion that Is best for the army
which. of course viii be that which
is best for the country
The statement set forth the primary
objects which lmpelled former Secre-
tary of War sumson to reorgnnize the
army into the existing scheme of brig
AIDES and divisions az follows:
First the definite assignment of
commanders, their staff officers and
organizations to the higher tactical
units which heretofore had always
been done in times of stress and con-
fusion. and after war had been de-
clared or hostlitles begun, and sec
ond. the higher tactical training of
the commanders, their staffs and the
organizations so as TO make them ef-
fcctive.
"Thc purpose Of this order, insofar
as the first object of the order Is con-
cefned has been accomplished, the
statement continues. THE accomplish
ment of the second object of the or
der will not be so immediate or easy
of execution. owing 20 circumstances
over which the army has no control
and as a result in a large measure OF
the necessities which in the past may
hc said to have been vital 10 the de-
velopment of our country the army
is stationed in many posts and In
many commands. This scattered con-
dition prevents tht practical training
of brieades and divisions and their
commanders and staffs which is so
essential for war purposes.
until some such plan can be work
ed out. it will readily De seen how Inn
portant ID Is that Al times the larger
units be assembled temporarily FOR the
purpose of what may be called war
training
Irrespective Of the purpose Of the
temporary concentration of the pres
cnt division in Texas under command
Of Major General William H. Carter
and considered only as a school, the
secretary said The expense 'will be
more than repaid ia the practical
training received by officers upon
whose shoulders will rest the respon-
sibilities for the lives Of our soldiers
in camp ana their conduct on the
field. No better illustration Of the
value Of divisional organization and
training can be given, he added. than
to compare the prompt and easy con
centration of The present division in
Texas with the cumbersome and slow
assembling under the old organization
Of the provisional division sent to
San Antonio two wears ago