Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-07-11
BADGER BRIGADE Ranxs HIGH.

Badger Brigade Ranks High.
The Wisconsin National Guard bril-
gade of war strength quota is one Of
the most completely equipped organ
izations turned over TO the war de-
partment by any state in the Union.
1t probably presents not only as many
but more men per regiment than most
other states. One of the branches OF
the service in which it ranks among
the best is the signal corps.
Every company in the brigade is
instructing from two to six of its men
in signaling. A radio and Photograph
apparatus is the contribution of Lieut..
Robert Wheaton, Company E, First in
fantry, Milwaukee, and Private Corne-
Illus Quinn, Company l, First infantry,
Neenah, both of whom have expert
mented with these outfits for consid-
cradle time. Both are amateur opera
tors.
By use of these instruments the
Wisconsin brigade will be able tc re-
ceive messages from distance of up to
nearly 1900 miles. On account of the
weak sending devices owned by these
men, they will be able to transmit
messages only twenty miles.
The radio outfit includes practically
the same materials and equipment as
a wireless apparatus. 1t operates on
the system of detecting electrical
surges or waves transmitted through
ether which is present in all matter.
The operators attach receivers to both
ears and read letters by the frequency
of buzzes. Lieutenant Wheaton car
ried about 800 feet of aluminium wire
for the antennae or aerial which
catches the signals from distant sta
tons. Lieutenant Wheaton has re-
ceiyed messages sent out from Airing
ton, Va, the powerful plant of the
government.
In addition to these systems the
brigade has a corps of expert soma
phore and wig-wag signal men. Every
company is training from one to six
men in these systems which are easy
to learn.
Great Change in Guard.
A tremendous change has come over
the Wisconsin National Guard. 1t is
so different in character from what it
was a week ago that the recruits
stand with open mouths. Instead of
being the customary social organiza-
ton that it has always been, it is a
fully disciplined, SeriOuS-minded, bust
nesslike military organization, second
only in attitude to the army.
In day a state almost of caste has
grown up. Officers no longer hobnOb
with men in the company streets.
They report or are seen there only on
business, and when the company is
formed for drills. Noncommissioned
officers no longer are mere privates
with chevrons on their sleeves; they
are men with authority to command
and their commands are obeyed in
stantly. 1t no longer Is the National
Guard of Wisconsin but the National
Guard of the United States and Of the
state of Wisconsin"
Stricter discipline, greater attention
to milit"ry courtesies, greater prompt
tude at forming for drills, far more
precision in the manner of executing
drill movements and more thorough
instruction are already apparent. In
short, the Guard is a second regular
army. Laxity in observance of salutes
etc, no longer is tolerated. Liberal
ity with privileges has been cut to the
minimum. The first sergeant is the
foreman of the company. Back OF
him are 20 noncOmmissioned assist
ants.
The National Guard has not con.
Quoted itself. so far as officers are
concerned, with the same attitude as
the army, in which there is practically
a caste line between officers and men
Realizing that the greatest discipline
is Obtainable only where there is not
too much familiarity, National Guard
officers have begun Tightening the
reins. They have been criticized fol
too great familiarity in reports OF
army officers and inspectors. The
condition today is wholly different.