New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-30
COUNT ONCOLLEGE
WEN AS OFFICERS
Army Experts Propose
Plan to Train Students
for Military Duty.

washington, Aug. go tram COL
lege students as reserve army officers
is among the recommendations to be
made to the President next month for
the national defence. Army experts
say that, with four annual training
periods of two months. which could be
had during the long summer vacations,
a man could be placed almost on par
with West Point graduates, at rela-
lively insignificant cost.
To induce college students to enter
the summer training camps it may be
decided to offer salary in addition
to expenses. Volunteers will be re-
auired not only 70 pass rigid physical
tests, but will have to be Of a sufti-
GENTLY high rank in their collegiate
work TO insure completing their
courses. The government will expect
them TO engage to continue the work
during four successive summers, at
the end Of which commissions as sec
ond lieutenants of the reserve Will be
granted to all who have demonstrated
their proficiency. A scheme of promo
ton is also being worked out so that
a man may attain the rank of captain
after a certain term of service IN the
militia.
Altar receiving their commissions
the men will be at the call of the gov
eminent for regular duty with the
militia. and will be expected to at
tend annual encampments. In case OF
war they will be placed in command
of the first volunteers, which. under
the present law, are composed OF the
militia.
Two Years to Raise Army.
II is hoped that by this plan large
number of officers will be trained TO
supply the greatest deficiency of the
present military system. In the opln-
ion of army experts 1t would not be
possible. owing to the lack Of reserve
officers. to raise 2 volunteer army OF
serious proportions in less than two
years.
Federal Law provides that in case OF
war the militia must have the ilrst OPP
portunity to volunteer. IL Is estimated
that about 80 per cent OF the national
Guard would offer their services, or
total of, roughly, $4,000 men. To nj
thi. small army for actual service
would require at least six months.
A prominent army officer was asked
how long it would take TO raise an
army of a million.
"[ would not care to attempt TO place
such Ar army in the field against the
Germans" the officer answered, I'm less
than two years First of all, there is
the problem of officers. A man can be
trained to fair-only fair efficiency as
A private soldier in six months. But
an o5fcer. unless he begins with a
highly trained mind, needs at least two
years"
The first thing an officer has to be
taught. il is pointed out, is the habit
of obedience. IL is not believed that
this habit can be so thoroughly formed
as to become second nature IN less
than the period indicated. 1t is not
however, thought essential that mill
tarv training should occupy the future
officers whole time.
Continuous Effect of Training.
The habits formed at his first sum-
mer camp, it is held, would remain with
the student throughout the winter, and
thus, although cur up into widely sep
arated periods, the training would be
practically continuous in its effect.
The subsequent work with the militia
would quickly bring the reserve officer
up TO a hioh state of efficiency.
Army officers are confident that if
Congress approves the plan it will be
heartily supported by college men, and
that the volunteers will exceed the
number contemplated. 1t is hoped
Congress will provide a way to train
900 reserve officers a year, who would
90 into the second line of reserve at
the age of thrty-fve. In this way
there should he at least 10000 reserve
officers available fifteen years hence
and constantly thereafter.