New Britain herald., 1917-03-23
BARS ARE DOWN ON !
 POSITIONS IN ARMY
Men Between 2t and s2 May Be come Second LieutenaDts

Washington, March 23.-The grade of second lieutenant in the Oficers Reserve Corps of the army has been thrown open by Secretary Baker to men without any military experience whatever, provided they are .physicsl- ly and mentality adapted to military life. An urgent plea has been sent out to men between 21 and 32 years all over the country to send in ap- plications for, commissions with as- surances that the army will supply after enrolment the military train ing necessary to fit them for duty. Under tho. National Defense Act, the corps should be able to furnish officers for force of 1000, 900 vol unteers in war time and also serve ar 8 reservoir from which additional officers for the regular army could be drawn at need. Less than 1000 men have been given reserve com- missions in the line. despite the fact that the law has been in operation for more than eight months. AppM- cations are coming in slowly and army officers are using every means in their power to attract young mon to this service as patriotic duty.
 There appears to be no lack of men desiring to serve in the staff corps reserve, such as the engineer corps, the uuartermasters division and the medical service. Enough commis- sions in these corps have been is- sued to prdyide the special arms for 0 million troops. It is fighting mon who are lacking, line officers who may look for service at the front in time of war. Army officers believe the failure to fill up this reserve is due only to lack of information as to the requirements, for 1t Is the light ing lines that are attractive to young men in war time.
 Eventually the Reserve Onicers Training Corps. composed of units at universities, schools and colleges, will provide more than 5000 men a year, 1t is estimated. for reserve commits sicns. The first fruits of this scheme for educating reserve officers, how ever, will not come until 1918 and then not more than 5000 junior officers can be expected to be turned into the reserve. In all probability many of these will be required for regular army commissions, reducing
 
 Must Pass Examination.
 The law prescribes that no man shall be commissioned in the reserve without having passed examination. The war department has realized that lack of previous military experience of any kind is probably preventing young men past their college days from application. For that reason every effort has been made to make 1t known throughout the country that experience Is not required. Men will be commissioned who have never worn a uniform or faced drill sergeant. The army will gladly under take to furnish those who are other wise suitable with the necessary pro- fessional training after they have en- tered the service.
 This applies, however, only to the grade of second lieutenant. First captains and majors must show previous military experience to earn their commissions. The heavy for the care of troops that goes with such grades necessi- tates this restriction.
 Applicants for second lieutenants' are being assured that every opportunity will be given them after enrolment in that grade to ad- vance themselves to higher rank.
 The department has appealed to young men who care to offer their ser vices to apply without delay to the of the military depart ment in which they live for necessary papers and information. Letters should be addressed to The Commanding General, Eastern Department. Gov ernor's Island. N. Y., Central Depart ment, Chicago. Ill.,, Southern Depart ment, San Antonio. Texas, or Western Department. San Francisco. Cal. They will receive prompt attention and ar- engagements for the examination of an \ a applicant will be made to suit his con- venience as nearly as possible.
 To those who receive commissions, the summer camps of the army will be open and they will receive travel allowances and pay will more than off, set any expense to which they may be put Only a simple feld uniform Is required for reserve officers, inSoly-d ing little expense, and the government assumes this cost also eventually.
 In wartime reserve officers would be required to report for duty either in person or by letter. as he may direct, to the commanding general of tho department in which they reside. They will be assigned to regular or volunteer regiments, as the occasion and whom called out will re- ceive the full pay and. allowances of their grade in the regular service. FLEEING SPY DROPS