Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-03
NAVY DEPARTMENT PLANS
LARGER NAVAL RESERVE
COntemplates Mobilization of Yachts
men and POwer-Boat Owners
in Training Squadron.
FOLLOWS IDEA OF ARMY CAMP
staten,sssns ss Issaes s3ssssVsit Tells
Of Steps to Build Up Adequate
Force in Addition to Existing State
Militia and Regular Reserve.

WASHINGTON. September "A plan
for building up an adequate national
naval reserve, in addition to the exist
ing State militia and the regular re-
serve created by the last Congress. was
made public to-day by Acting Secretary
Roosevelt, of the Navy Department.
IT contcmplatcS mobilization Of Yachts
men and power-hoat owners and their
craft with navy reserve ships in n
training squadron, following the idea
of the army camp at Plattsburg ~ V
a statement issued by Mr.. Roosevelt
says the plan has been under consid-
Grafton for some time. Employment OF
former navy officers in war time and
hllinS vacancies on the lighting ships
with former enlisted men already has
been provided for by exchange. under
which. in the past two months, 40
men have entered the reserve. The
statement says the law also has had
the effect of increasing enlistments
CAPABLE INDIVIDUALS
FOR SPECIAL SERVICES
AS to volunteer civilians the state
ment says:
1T is believed that the reserve Of
personnel should total $4,000 officers
and men. What is particularly de-
sired is not merely numbers. but indl-
viduals who will be capable OF doing
the specialized service which exists in
modern navies. For instance. In war
time the navy would need the services
of possibly 1000 additional radio
operators; 1t would require local pilots
for inside waters helm men, gunners
nfnr
etc. besides, of course. first class sea-
men. The department. has had many
letters asking whether an opportunity
could be given to individuals to take
courses of training in these spccialties
and If the general plan is approved, it
is hoped that next summer courses OF
instructions can he started using re-
serve or other available ships and Civ
ing to those who desire three or four
weeks OF training. so that they could
become of some definite use if called
upon.
ANY amateur radio operator, any
yachtsman or motor boat enthusiast
In fact, any citizen with intelligence
and application could learn how 10 III
In to some place where he might be
needed. Possibly some form OF ccrtiG-
cate could he given At the close of in
struction. showing exactly what ser.
vices the individual is capa bile OF per-
forming, the holder to be under no fur
thcr obligation than to keep the Navy
Department, at stated periods, informed
of his address.
STEPS ALREADY TAKEN. nut
MUCH STILL. TO HE DONE
1T is obvious that the navy would
need great number of auXilarics
patrol boats, etc. Steps have already
been taken TO organize the merchant
shipping, but much remains to be done
Modern naval opcras ions have shown
the great need of a large number of
small and fast yachts and motor boats
or type as seaworthy as possible.
The department. has already endeavored
TO cooperate with the power squad
rons, and II will be possible. i'm connec-
ton with the training of volunteer
civilians, to list all suitable vessels and
to train their crews in the uses that
would be expected. This training
would be given in conjunction with tho
use OF naval vessels in the summer
time. and would BIO in charge of regular
officers"