The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-08-21
SWEEPING CHANGE
IN ORGANIZATION
European Plan USed-Company t"
Consist of 250 Men and SIX OIh-
GERS; Division OF $4,000

Washington. Aug. 16.-Complete re-
organization of all branches OF the
American army to conform with ki-
ropean countries, as recommended oy
Major General Pershing, is provided
for in army orders revealing that the
recently announced divisionap reo:-
sanitation plan is to be carried down
into the regiments and companies.
The administrative unit Of the IN
fan4fv arm hereafter will be COM
pany with $50 enlisted men and slX
commissioned officers, in place o1
something over 100 men and three Oh
6cers. The company will be divided
into four platoons, each in command
of a lieutenant. There will be tW>
CAPTAINS as first and second in con-
mand. one first lieutenant and three
second lieutenants. Reports OF the
review of American troops in france
Yesterday show that this plan ALREADY
has been carried out in General Per
shing's forces.
The object OF assigning two cap
fains to each company, it is under
stood. is to provide against dlsor-
sanitation of the unit through the loss
of it's commander. The second car
tain, under the European system, does
not go into battle line with the CON-
pany. if his senior is present. He IS
held as a reserve to reorganlze the
company if necessary. Under the ne"
nlan each regiment will have three
hattalions of four companies, making
q total of 5000 men. supplemented
by the regimental headquarters, sup
nly and machine gun organizations
4he strength of the new regiments viii
he brought up to approximately S.ooo
men as against little more than 2'oo'
in existing war strength regiments.
Other Arms Unchanged
"Tae unit organization of the helo
artillery and other arms OF the service
has not been changed.
As a result of reducing the number
of regiments in a division, the division
instead of 2S,O00/ men will total here
after about $4,000 men, 5000 OF them
infantry.
The advantages OF the system In ad-
..1ition to the better adaptation OF the
divisional unit to trench warfare lies
chiefly in the reduction in overhead
expense. One colonel and his regl-
mental staff, including his three bat
talon commanders, now will nan
die $500 men instead of little mors
than 1000.
Today's orders show that provision
has been made for organization OF 81
new infantry divisions in addition to
the regular divisions out OF troops al
ready called to the colors, including
the first increment of $4,000 drafted
men. A system of numerical desis-
nations has been worked out under
which any division number below 26
will be regulars; between 26 and 70
National Guard and rs and above Ma
tional Army. Regular infantry bri-
gades will be numbered from 1 to so,
inclusive; National Guard from 81 to
$50 and, National Army from Isl up,
Regular regiments Willie numbered
from to 100, NatioZal Guard from
1O1 to 300 and National Army from 301
up.
Will Show Whole Thing
Assignment of brigade, regimental
or other numerical designation will
be in accordance with the numerical
order of divisions with the result that
any person familiar with the system
will know that the three hundred
and thirty-ffth infantry, for in
stance, is attached to the one hun
dred and sixty-seventh brigade Of
tho oiCbfvfn,1rfh jnfaDfrv division