Evening star., 1915-01-03

their work tomorrow night with the
school for officers under the leadership
of Lieut.. H. Z. Knauss. United States
Navy. assigned to the local naval mi
| litla as inspector-instructor.
| The New Year will be busy one for
the District naval militiamen, as they
will actively begin the work to ut
them for the examinations which the
Navy Department is requiring of all
naval militia officers and men to per-
NIT them to take advantage of the
provisions of the federal naval militia
act passed February last by Congress.
The Navy Department has just is
sued circular letter No So" outlin-
ing the work of the inspector-instruc-
tors and the general scope of the ex-
Iaminations for officers. Says the cir
cular, in part:
'The following guide for the theo-
retical and practical instruction OF the
naval militia is published for the in
| formation of all concerned.
Owing to the fact that the naval
militia of the different states vary
greatly in efficiency, due to variety
Of conditions, the instruction of the
different organizations will vary to
some extent, and for this reason the
ideas hereinafter set forth are to be
considered as advisory only.
ANY scheme that may be devised
must be based on certain fundamental l
principles, which are believed to be
substantially as follows:
There should be for each organiza-
tion some definite and progressive
system of instruction, which should
embrace both the theoretical instruc-
ton and the practical application of
that instruction
Before efficiency in any organization
can be obtained each Individual unit
| of that organization must obtain ef-
ficiency in several duties.
The officers and petty officers of the
naval militia must know the duties
of the men under their command, in
addition to their own duties. Ihey
should also know and be proficient In
the duties of the next higher rank,
grade or rate, so that in case of neces-
sity they can perform those duties
efficiently.
tia should receive their instruction
from the officers Of the naval militia
placed over them.
"The object sought in instructing the
GERS and enlisted men for duty aboard
ship under all conditions This should
never be lost sight of, and the summer
cruises should be regarded not only
struction, but also as a test of the in
struction, both practical and theoreti-
cal, that has been given.
THE system of training used in our
naval service is such that each indi
vidual is taught to investigate and
think for himself and to act according
to his own judgment when put to the
test. The individuals of any military
do things automatically. but Instructed
in their several duties in such a man
ner that they have a thorough knowl-
edge of what it is endeavored to ac-
Ii,
| only taught to act upon their own ini-
tiative in time of necessity, but can
do so with intelligence.
For convenience the instruction of
the naval militia Is divided into two
parts, as follows:
Part THE instruction Of the en-
listed men of the naval militia by the
officers of the naval militia.
Part 1.-THE instruction of the Off
GERS of the naval militia by the in
observation-disclosures.
THE instruction. of the enlisted men
of the naval militia must be given by
these officers should feel free to consult
with the inspector-instructors at any
time in order to accomplish the best
results.
should be borne in mind in instructing
the enlisted personnel of the naval
militia.
Example appeals strongly to men,
anu olICcTS nuSt Dear IN mind that
their bearing, manner and language in
dealing with seniors, as well as jun
Iors. are copied by the men under their
command. officers should so endeavor
| by their own actions as well as by
personal instruction to inculcate and
! develop the sentiment of military
| honor and obedience in the enlisted
personnel under their command
Officers should endeavor to keep the
men interested in their work and sue-
gestions from the men should never
| be disregarded, but If suggestions are
| considered impracticable the reasons
why should be explained to them
| Cleanliness should be insisted upon.
1t is usually found that the clean ship
| or organization is the efficient one.
! Competition in all drills and work
! should be stimulated among the sew
| eral units.
ohcers should always have due re-
| gard for the health and comfort of the
| men under their command.
| Every enlisted man should have a
| good knowledge of subjects enumerat
| ed Tor his particular rate, and should
| be required to pass an examination on
| the subjects listed under the ratin,,
| which he holds to which It is de-
sired to promote him.
THE scope Of the examinations for
| the enlisted men has not yet been de.
cided upon, but it will be in general
| the same as that for the enlisted rnen
| of corresponding rating in the repuls =
service. Detailed instructions regard.
| ing the scope of the examinations of
! the enlisted men will be issued at =
later date" "